Role of Probiotics in Management of Depressive Symptoms and Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Depression: An Updated Analysis of Trials.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Depression is a global burden that causes mortality and morbidity in patients and affects millions of people worldwide. Conventional treatment of depression has limited efficacy in addressing cognitive symptoms. Probiotics, particularly psychobiotics, offer promise by modulating the gut-brain axis and improving both depressive symptoms and cognitive function. This meta-analysis provides insights into the potential of probiotics in alleviating depression-related symptoms and cognitive deficits in comparison with placebo. METHOD: A thorough literature search was performed using online resources such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. The seven randomized control trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria. The study was conducted in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines. RESULT: Patients receiving probiotics had significant alleviation of cognitive symptoms (p = 0.01; SMD, -0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.59 to -0.21; I2 = 82%) in comparison to placebo. Likewise, the probiotic group had a significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared to the placebo group (p = 0.03; SMD, -0.55; 95% CI, -1.04 to -0.06; I2 = 79%). Both results favored the probiotic group over the placebo group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, research has demonstrated that probiotic supplementation can be a highly effective supplementary treatment for depression by effectively addressing psychological symptoms and cognitive problems. Its therapeutic potential in clinical settings should be explored by additional research to better understand its mechanisms.