Innovative Interventions: Postbiotics and Psychobiotics in Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment

Mandeep Kumar Gupta; Kanupriya Chauhan; Snigdha Bhardwaj; Rajnish Srivastava

doi:10.1007/s12602-025-10632-0

Innovative Interventions: Postbiotics and Psychobiotics in Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment

Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins. 2025 Jun 27. doi: 10.1007/s12602-025-10632-0. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Mandeep Kumar Gupta¹, Kanupriya Chauhan², Snigdha Bhardwaj³, Rajnish Srivastava⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pharmaceutical Chemsitry, Moradabad Educational Trust Group of Institutions Faculty of Pharmacy, Moradabad, 244001, Uttar Pradesh, India. mandeepkrgupta@gmail.com.
² Department of Pharmacology, Moradabad Educational Trust Group of Institutions Faculty of Pharmacy, Moradabad, 244001, Uttar Pradesh, India.
³ Department of Pharmaceutics, KIET School of Pharmacy, KIET Group of Institutions, Ghaziabad, 201206, Delhi-NCR, India.
⁴ Chitkara University School of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Baddi, 174103, Himachal Pradesh, India.

PMID: 40576748
DOI: 10.1007/s12602-025-10632-0

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, create more challenges as the population gets older and there are no curative therapies available. Recent advances in gut microbiome research have spotlighted postbiotics and psychobiotics as innovative therapeutic strategies targeting the gut-brain axis to alleviate neurodegenerative symptoms and slow disease progression. Postbiotics, which are metabolites and cellular components released by probiotic bacteria, and psychobiotics, a class of probiotics with potential mental health benefits, offer novel approaches to neuroprotection. This chapter examines the ways in which postbiotics and psychobiotics modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, neurotrophic factors, and gut barrier integrity to provide neuroprotective effects. We review scientific research that highlights the efficacy of specific microbial strains and their metabolites in enhancing cognitive function and reducing neurodegeneration. In addition, we explore the consequences of diet and specific nutrition on strengthening the therapeutic results of these medications. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a detailed analysis of the existing data supporting the use of postbiotics and psychobiotics in both the prevention and management of neurological diseases. By integrating perspectives from microbiology, neurology, and clinical nutrition, we highlight the potential of these interventions to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. In addition, we discuss the translational limitations and future research approaches required to successfully transition these microbiome-based treatments from the laboratory to clinical practice, emphasizing the importance of a holistic and personalized approach in combating neurodegenerative diseases.

Keywords: Gut-brain axis; Neurodegenerative diseases; Neurotrophic factors; Postbiotics; Psychobiotics.

Publication types

Review