Reviewing the state of the art of probiotics as clinical modalities for brain–gut–microbiota axis associated disorders

Cato Wiegers*, Mariët A. Veerman, Robert Jan Brummer, Olaf F.A. Larsen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The rise in prevalence of mental and neurological disorders is causing a high burden on society, however adequate interventions are not always available. The brain–gut–microbiota axis (BGMA) may provide a new angle for the development of clinical modalities. Due to the intricate bi-directional signaling between the brain and the gut, it may be helpful to look into interventions that target the gut, such as probiotics. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate the state of the art of probiotics and their potential as clinical modalities for BGMA-associated indications by gaining insight into patents and clinical trials that have been applied for and executed since 1999. A total of 565 patents and 390 clinical trials were found, focusing on probiotic applications for 83 indications. Since the start of the 21st century, the highest numbers of patents and clinical trials were related to primary neuropsychological, affective (depression, anxiety) and cognitive disorders, neurodegenerative and/or inflammatory brain disorders (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amongst others), and gastrointestinal disorders (irritable bowel syndrome). The locations where the most patents and clinical trials were registered included China, the United States, and Iran. From 1999 to ~2013 a slight growth could be seen in the numbers of patents and clinical trials, followed by an almost exponential growth from ~2013 onwards. Overall, the developments of the state of the art were in accordance with previous research, however it appeared that clinical trials showed a slightly slower growth compared to patents, which may have implications for the future implementation of probiotics as clinical modalities for BGMA-associated indications.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1053958
Pages (from-to)1-10
Number of pages10
JournalFrontiers in Microbiology
Volume13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Nov 2022

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
We would like to thank Octrooicentrum Nederland as part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) for their guidance and advice preceding and during the data collection process.

Funding Information:
The contribution of CW is financed by Yakult Nederland B.V. The funder was not involved in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, the writing of this article, or the decision to submit it for publication.

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2022 Wiegers, Veerman, Brummer and Larsen.

Funding

We would like to thank Octrooicentrum Nederland as part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) for their guidance and advice preceding and during the data collection process. The contribution of CW is financed by Yakult Nederland B.V. The funder was not involved in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, the writing of this article, or the decision to submit it for publication.

Keywords

  • brain–gut–microbiota axis
  • gastrointestinal disorders
  • gut–brain
  • mental disorders
  • neurological disorders
  • probiotics
  • state of the art

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Reviewing the state of the art of probiotics as clinical modalities for brain–gut–microbiota axis associated disorders'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this