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Research papers on Gut microbiome and mental health

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  1. The Brain-Gut-Microbiome Axis

    Clair R. Martin, Vadim Osadchiy, Amir Kalani, et al. · 2018 · Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology · 1,279 citations

    The past decade has seen a paradigm shift in our understanding of the brain-gut axis.The exponential growth of evidence detailing the bidirectional interactions between the gut microbiome and the brain supports a comprehensive model that integrates the central nervous, gastrointestinal, and immune systems with this newly discovered organ.Data from preclinical and clinical studies have shown remarkable potential for novel treatment targets not only in functional gastrointestinal disorders but in a wide range of psychiatric and neurologic disorders, including Parkinson's disease, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, and depression, among many others.Preclinical and clinical studies have shown b

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  2. Stress & the gut-brain axis: Regulation by the microbiome

    Jane Allyson Foster, Linda Rinaman, John F. Cryan · 2017 · Neurobiology of Stress · 1,143 citations

    The importance of the gut-brain axis in regulating stress-related responses has long been appreciated. More recently, the microbiota has emerged as a key player in the control of this axis, especially during conditions of stress provoked by real or perceived homeostatic challenge. Diet is one of the most important modifying factors of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The routes of communication between the microbiota and brain are slowly being unravelled, and include the vagus nerve, gut hormone signaling, the immune system, tryptophan metabolism, and microbial metabolites such as short chain fatty acids. The importance of the early life gut microbiota in shaping later health outcomes also is

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  4. Current Perspectives on Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis and Depression

    Alexander Capuco, Ivan Urits, Jamal J. Hasoon, et al. · 2020 · Advances in Therapy · 216 citations

    The human gut microbiome partakes in a bidirectional communication pathway with the central nervous system (CNS), named the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The microbiota-gut-brain axis is believed to modulate various central processes through the vagus nerve as well as production of microbial metabolites and immune mediators which trigger changes in neurotransmission, neuroinflammation, and behavior. Little is understood about the utilization of microbiome manipulation to treat disease. Though studies exploring the role of the microbiome in various disease processes have shown promise, mechanisms remain unclear and evidence-based treatments for most illnesses have not yet been developed. The ani

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  5. Impact of Environmental Pollutants on Gut Microbiome and Mental Health via the Gut–Brain Axis

    Samradhi Singh, Poonam Sharma, Namrata Pal, et al. · 2022 · Microorganisms · 148 citations

    Over the last few years, the microbiome has emerged as a high-priority research area to discover missing links between brain health and gut dysbiosis. Emerging evidence suggests that the commensal gut microbiome is an important regulator of the gut-brain axis and plays a critical role in brain physiology. Engaging microbiome-generated metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, the immune system, the enteric nervous system, the endocrine system (including the HPA axis), tryptophan metabolism or the vagus nerve plays a crucial role in communication between the gut microbes and the brain. Humans are exposed to a wide range of pollutants in everyday life that impact our intestinal microbiota a

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  6. Gut-Brain Axis: Role of Microbiome, Metabolomics, Hormones, and Stress in Mental Health Disorders

    Ankita Verma, Sabra S. Inslicht, Aditi Bhargava · 2024 · Cells · 114 citations

    The influence of gut microbiome, metabolites, omics, hormones, and stress on general and mental health is increasingly being recognized. Ancient cultures recognized the importance of diet and gut health on the overall health of an individual. Western science and modern scientific methods are beginning to unravel the foundations and mechanisms behind some of the ancient beliefs and customs. The gut microbiome, an organ itself, is now thought to influence almost all other organs, ranging from the brain to the reproductive systems. Gut microbiome, metabolites, hormones, and biological sex also influence a myriad of health conditions that range from mental health disorders, obesity, gastrointest

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  7. The Role of the Microbiome-Brain-Gut Axis in the Pathogenesis of Depressive Disorder

    Ewelina Młynarska, Joanna Gadzinowska, Julita Tokarek, et al. · 2022 · Nutrients · 108 citations

    The role of gut microbiota and its association with the central nervous system via the microbiome-brain-gut axis has been widely discussed in the literature. The aim of this review is to investigate the impact of gut microbiota on the development of depression and underlying molecular mechanisms. There are two possible pathways in which this interaction might occur. The first one suggests that depressive disorder could lead to dysbiosis and one of the causes may be the influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The second one considers if changes in the composition of gut microbiota might cause depressive disorder. The mechanisms that could be responsible for this interactio

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  8. Microbiome Gut-Brain-Axis: Impact on Brain Development and Mental Health

    Yasmin N. Ramadan, Saleh Fahad Alqifari, Khaled Alshehri, et al. · 2025 · Molecular Neurobiology · 76 citations

    The current discovery that the gut microbiome, which contains roughly 100 trillion microbes, affects health and disease has catalyzed a boom in multidisciplinary research efforts focused on understanding this relationship. Also, it is commonly demonstrated that the gut and the CNS are closely related in a bidirectional pathway. A balanced gut microbiome is essential for regular brain activities and emotional responses. On the other hand, the CNS regulates the majority of GI physiology. Any disruption in this bidirectional pathway led to a progression of health problems in both directions, neurological and gastrointestinal diseases. In this review, we hope to shed light on the complicated con

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  9. The microbiota-gut-brain axis in depression: unraveling the relationships and therapeutic opportunities

    Zhangcheng Zhu, Yi-Wen Cheng, Xia Liu, et al. · 2025 · Frontiers in Immunology · 45 citations

    Depression, a highly prevalent and relapsing mental disorder, exacts profound personal and socioeconomic tolls globally, warranting urgent scientific and clinical attention. Emerging evidence from both preclinical models and human clinical investigations has established the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) as a critical determinant in depression pathogenesis. This intricate bidirectional network integrates gut microbiota with central nervous system function, influencing mental health through mechanisms previously underrecognized. This review systematically synthesizes gut microbiota alterations associated with depression and their impacts on neuroendocrine, neuroimmune, and metabolic pathway

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  10. Exploring the gut-brain Axis: Potential therapeutic impact of Psychobiotics on mental health.

    Cocean Ana‐Maria, D. Vodnar · 2024 · Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry · 42 citations

    One of the most challenging and controversial issues in microbiome research is related to gut microbial metabolism and neuropsychological disorders. Psychobiotics affect human behavior and central nervous system processes via the gut-brain axis, involving neuronal, immune, and metabolic pathways. They have therapeutic potential in the treatment of several neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders such as depression, anxiety, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, Huntington's disease, anorexia nervosa, and multiple sclerosis. However, the mechanisms underlying the interaction between psychobiotics and the abovementi

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  11. Gut microbiome-gut brain axis-depression: interconnection

    Ruhina Afroz Patel, Archana N. Panche, Sanjay N. Harke · 2024 · The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry · 39 citations

    OBJECTIVES: The relationship between the gut microbiome and mental health, particularly depression, has gained significant attention. This review explores the connection between microbial metabolites, dysbiosis, and depression. The gut microbiome, comprising diverse microorganisms, maintains physiological balance and influences health through the gut-brain axis, a communication pathway between the gut and the central nervous system. METHODS: Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome, disrupts this axis and worsens depressive symptoms. Factors like diet, antibiotics, and lifestyle can cause this imbalance, leading to changes in microbial composition, metabolism, and immune responses. This

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  12. Gut thinking: the gut microbiome and mental health beyond the head

    Grace Lucas · 2018 · Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease · 38 citations

    Background: In recent decades, dominant models of mental illness have become increasingly focused on the head, with mental disorders being figured as brain disorders. However, research into the active role that the microbiome-gut-brain axis plays in affecting mood and behaviour may lead to the conclusion that mental health is more than an internalised problem of individual brains.Objective: This article explores the implications of shifting understandings about mental health that have come about through research into links between the gut microbiome and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. It aims to analyse the different ways that the lines between mind and body and mental

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  14. The Bidirectional Relationship Between the Gut Microbiome and Mental Health: A Comprehensive Review

    K. Rathore, N. Shukla, Sunil Naik, et al. · 2025 · Cureus · 29 citations

    The gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in mental health, influencing mood, cognition, and emotional regulation through the gut-brain axis. This bidirectional communication system connects the gastrointestinal and CNS, facilitated by microbial metabolites, neurotransmitters, and immune interactions. Recent research highlights the association between gut dysbiosis and psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions. Key findings indicate that altered microbial diversity, decreased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and increased neuroinflammation contribute to mental health disturbances. This paper explores the mechanism linking the gut microbiom

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  16. The Gut-Brain Axis and Mental Health: How Diet Shapes Our Cognitive and Emotional Well-Being

    Shradha Patil, S. Mehdi · 2025 · Cureus · 15 citations

    The gut-brain axis (GBA) connects the gastrointestinal (GI) system and the central nervous system (CNS) in a two-way communication system that greatly impacts mental health and overall well-being. Dietary choices significantly influence the gut microbiome, thereby affecting emotional, cognitive, and neurological health. This review explores how specific dietary patterns, including high-fiber, plant-based, and Mediterranean diets (MD), enhance microbial diversity, decrease inflammation, and enhance gut-brain communication. It highlights the importance of probiotics, prebiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants in controlling gut microbiota, enhancing intestinal barrier function, and redu

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  17. The Skin-Brain Axis in Psoriasis and Depression: Roles of Inflammation, Hormones, Neuroendocrine Pathways, Neuropeptides, and the Microbiome

    Lipeng Tang, Huichang Bi, Kang-Guang Lin, et al. · 2025 · Psoriasis: Targets and Therapy · 13 citations

    Abstract Psoriasis, a common chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 2–3% of the global population, frequently co-occurs with depression. This highly prevalent comorbidity significantly impairs patients’ quality of life. Despite the substantial physical and mental health burden imposed by psoriatic depression, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms connecting psoriasis and depression remain poorly understood. In this review, we explored several pathological processes that may contribute to psoriasis-associated depression, including immune cells dysregulations, hormones imbalances, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunctions, neuropeptides expression abnorma

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  19. Microbiome‐gut‐brain axis as a novel hotspot in depression

    Yue Ma, Peng Xu, Zhen-Jun Bai, et al. · 2024 · Brain‐X · 8 citations

    As a prevalent psychiatric disorder, the etiology of depression remains largely elusive, necessitating further investigation into its pathophysiological underpinnings. Notably, the comorbidity of depression with other mental health conditions and chronic diseases often presents alongside gastrointestinal symptoms. Research on the microbiome‐gut‐brain axis (MGBA) has emerged as a promising avenue for elucidating the pathophysiology of depression. In this study, bibliometric analysis tools, including HistCite, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the bibliometrix R package, were employed to comprehensively explore the MGBA‐depression connection. A comprehensive survey identified 980 relevant publications

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  20. Estrogen-Gut-Brain Axis: Examining the Role of Combined Oral Contraceptives on Mental Health Through Their Impact on the Gut Microbiome

    A. Zim, Ajay Bommareddy · 2025 · Cureus · 7 citations

    Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) possess the ability to alter the normal composition of the gut microbiome and the permeability of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which may cause both gut-related and non-gut-related complications. The gut-estrogen axis examines the relationship between estrogens (particularly the active form, estradiol) and the gastrointestinal system and can be attributed to the maintenance of the estrobolome and circulating estradiol levels. The gut-brain axis involves the relationship between the brain and the gastrointestinal system and can be attributed to the gut microbiome in relation to the enteric nervous system (ENS) and serotonin levels. Overall, the introduct

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  21. Potential Biotics for Nutritional Improvement of Health via Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis

    Madiha Khan Niazi, Farooq Hassan · 2022 · Advanced Gut & Microbiome Research · 6 citations

    People’s dietary consumption is significantly influenced by biological, social, and psychological behaviours; as a result, complexes regarding their health arise. Due to the nutraceutical advantages of functional foods and supplements, a variety of fermented foods and beverages are now available to consumers. The properties of probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and paraprobiotics are discussed in this overview along with their importance to diet and long-term health. Several synbiotic products, which are complimentary blends of chosen, defined probiotic cultures and prebiotic substrates, have drawn consumers’ attention in the nutraceutical sector recently. Probiotics and symbiotic preparat

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  23. Gut Microbiome Alterations, Mental Health, and Alcohol Consumption: Investigating the Gut–Brain Axis in Firefighters

    Ji Youn Yoo, A. Sarkar, Hyo-Sook Song, et al. · 2025 · Microorganisms · 5 citations

    Firefighters across the world face higher risks of occupational hazards, such as exposure to chemicals, extreme heat, traumatic stressors, and intense physical demands, which can increase their vulnerability to a range of psychological and physiological difficulties. These challenges include the risk of developing chronic stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), potentially leading to detrimental negative coping patterns such as alcohol abuse. The consequent health implications impact both short-term and long-term health and well-being. This study aimed to explore the relationship between mental health status, alcohol consumption patterns, and gut microbiome alterations

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  24. Diet–Microbiome–Brain Axis and Mental Health: Biological Mechanisms and Nutritional Implications

    Diana Uțu, Aniela-Roxana Nodiți-Cuc, A. Kiș, et al. · 2026 · Nutrients · 5 citations

    Background/Objectives: Diet is a primary and modifiable determinant of gut microbiota composition, diversity, and metabolic activity, thereby shaping microbial-derived metabolites, immune and inflammatory signalling, neuroendocrine regulation, and neural communication with the central nervous system. Western dietary patterns, characterised by high intake of ultra-processed foods, saturated fats, and low dietary fibre, are consistently associated with gut dysbiosis, impaired intestinal barrier function, chronic low-grade inflammation, and increased risk of depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative disorders. Methods: This narrative review synthesises evidence from human

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