Psychobiotics are an emerging class of probiotics that, when ingested in ample amounts, confer mental health benefits through interacting with gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota in patients with psychiatric problems. These mind-altering groups of probiotics modulate the functions and behavior of the central nervous system via the gut–brain axis to improve GI health and exert anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. Psychobiotics are reported to ameliorate multiple pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders. Also, the use of psychobiotics can improve motor functions, cognition, mood, and stress behavior in patients with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Interestingly, several probiotic bacteria with well-established psychotropic properties extend the mean lifespan of experimental models, suggesting their involvement in the aging process. However, in-depth scientific investigations are needed to gain a better understanding on the role of psychobiotics in the management of health and senility. Studying these new classes of probiotics could open the possibility for the development of selective and effective therapeutic strategies to improve overall health and the management of various human ailments. This chapter discusses the recent discoveries and developments in the exciting new field of neuromicrobiology, which explores the role of psychobiotics in health, longevity, and neurological disorders. In exploring the role of psychobiotics in health and disease, we focus specifically on mental health, depression, anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. CLICK TO REVIEW
Keywords
Probiotics Psychobiotics Longevity Mental health Neurodegenerative diseases Neurodevelopmental disorders