Psychobiotics for nurturing the mental health through gut-brain-signalling: current status and future directions.

The gut-microbiota-brain axis is a pivotal regulator of mental and neurological health, positioning psychobiotics as promising adjunct therapies. Specific microbial strains with inherent psychobiotic potential are known to enhance mental health, cognitive, or stress-preventive qualities. They mediate the promotion of a healthy intestinal barrier by the production of neurotransmitters, neuro-hormones and neuro-protectors, which include short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, etc. This review explores the myriad ways that psychobiotics impact neurocognitive he