Gut biome, or the community of bacteria that live in the digestive tract, plays a significant role in overall health. If the balance of healthy and unhealthy bacteria in the stomach and intestines gets out of balance, individuals are likely to develop a variety of issues, including high blood sugar, weight gain and high cholesterol.
According to a study that was recently published in the “Translation Psychiatry” journal, there may be a link between gut bacteria and mental health. The study found that probiotics, which consist of “good bacteria” that can benefit the digestive system, can be used to alleviate the symptoms of depression.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that in 2020, around 21 million adults in America experienced at least one major depressive episode. Current depression treatments often involve antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as support from family, friends and groups. Even so, researchers are always on the hunt for a more effective treatment for depression.
These researchers specifically wanted to understand better the connection between gut bacteria and the brain and whether they could take advantage of this connection to address mental health conditions such as depression. The study involved two groups of adult patients who were suffering from depression. Each group was given either probiotics or a placebo over a four-week period.
After the study period, the researchers evaluated the patients’ depression levels with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. They found the patients who received probiotics saw a significant decrease in depressive symptoms. Furthermore, they also noted that participants who took the probiotics had increased levels of Lactobacillus bacteria in their guts. This type of bacteria is commonly found in human digestive systems and it helps to fight off harmful bacteria, break down food, and absorb nutrients.
The authors of the study mentioned a 2020 study that showed that depression is often accompanied by changes in gut bacteria composition. Neuroscientist and study author Dr. Andre Schimdt said that identifying the supportive effects of the probiotics on antidepressants in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder was one of the major highlights of the research.
Although the study adds to the growing body of research showing that probiotics can alleviate depressive symptoms, the study has its limitations. For example, it had few participants, and according to the study authors, the participants weren’t 100% compliant in taking the placebo and probiotics.
Furthermore, the researchers used several strains of probiotics that could have affected the study results. Despite these limitations, the study’s findings could be used to create more effective probiotic treatments for depression, in addition to the efforts being undertaken by entities such as Cybin Inc. (NYSE American: CYBN) (NEO: CYBN), which are actively studying psychedelics as the next generation of mental disorder medications.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Cybin Inc. (NEO: CYBN) (NYSE American: CYBN) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CYBN
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