Evidence supporting the use of: Lactobacillus (unspecified)
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Lactobacillus species, a type of probiotic bacteria, have been investigated for their potential role in supporting mental health, including anxiety disorders. While the tradition of using probiotics for mental health is limited, scientific interest has grown in recent years due to the emerging concept of the "gut-brain axis." Several preclinical and small-scale clinical studies have explored how certain strains of Lactobacillus might influence mood and anxiety by modulating gut microbiota, impacting inflammation, and affecting neurotransmitter systems such as GABA. A few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans have assessed the effects of probiotic supplementation (including various Lactobacillus strains) on self-reported anxiety symptoms. Some studies have observed modest reductions in anxiety scores, but findings are inconsistent, and most research involves multi-strain probiotics rather than isolated Lactobacillus species. A 2019 meta-analysis (Ng et al., 2018, Journal of Affective Disorders) found that probiotics had a small but significant benefit on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, but the effect size was limited and more robust trials are needed. Overall, while there is some scientific evidence—primarily from animal studies and preliminary human trials—supporting the use of Lactobacillus for anxiety, the evidence is not strong or conclusive. More large-scale, well-designed clinical trials are required before Lactobacillus can be confidently recommended as a treatment for anxiety disorders.
More about Lactobacillus (unspecified)
More about Anxiety Disorders
Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium longum
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
citrus oil
curcumin
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
hemp oil
inositol
kava root
l-glycine
l-taurine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus paracasei
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
matcha
melatonin
motherwort
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
rhodiola
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
shen-chu
St. John's Wort
herbal blend (proprietary)
cocoa
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Apigenin
Albizia
Aconite
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
bacoside
Clary sage
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Essential Oil Blend
Gelsemium
Griffonia simplicifolia
Ginkgoside
Gastrodin
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Vervain
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Lactobacillus (unspecified)
Acid IndigestionAllergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Bladder Infection
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diverticulitis
Eczema
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lactose Intolerance
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Oral Surgery
Rhinitis