Evidence supporting the use of: Lactobacillus rhamnosus
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a probiotic bacterium that has gained research interest for its potential effects on mental health, particularly anxiety disorders. The rationale behind its use is based on the concept of the "gut-brain axis"—a bidirectional communication pathway between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Several preclinical studies in animal models have demonstrated that L. rhamnosus supplementation can influence behavior and neurochemistry associated with anxiety. Notably, a widely cited 2011 study by Bravo et al. found that mice given L. rhamnosus exhibited reduced anxiety- and depression-related behaviors, potentially through modulation of GABA receptor expression and vagus nerve signaling.

Human evidence, however, remains limited. A handful of small-scale clinical trials have explored the effects of L. rhamnosus on stress and mood, with some suggesting modest benefits but others showing no significant effects. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while probiotics may have a positive impact on subjective stress and mood, the specific effects of L. rhamnosus on clinically diagnosed anxiety disorders in humans have not been conclusively demonstrated. The evidence quality is limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and heterogeneity in study design.

In summary, while L. rhamnosus shows promise in preclinical models and is the subject of ongoing research, robust scientific validation in humans is currently lacking, resulting in a low-to-moderate evidence rating for its use in supporting or treating anxiety disorders.

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