Bifidobacteria and psychobiotic therapy: Current evidence and future prospects

Abstract

Mounting evidence elucidates the impact of gut microbiota on the maintenance of host’s physical and psychological conditions. The gut microbiota can produce its effects through neural, endocrine, and immune pathways. Specific gut members, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, have shown unique abilities to affect the host’s mental health, and hence, they are called psychobiotics. Several studies, on both rodents and humans, have confirmed the role of Bifidobacterium in the regulation of anxiety, mood, cognition, and pain. Here, we summarize the currently available evidence that suggests the roles of bifidobacteria in gut microbiota–brain communication and highlight the prospects of this research field. The action of Bifidobacterium has been found to be strain specific. We discuss here the currently reported mechanisms of action of different Bifidobacterium strains. However, more strategic investigations are needed to fully understand the detailed mechanisms of action of Bifidobacterium as psychobiotic bacteria.