Memory & cognition are affected by stress, aging and obesity. Probiotics have been reported to exert beneficial effects along the gut-brain axis. Study shown that Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 can be used as a nutritional-based natural strategy to improve psychological functions, cognitive health and memory in stressed adults.

 

In 111 stressed adults (DR7 n=56, placebo n=55), the consumption of Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 (1×109 cfu/day) for 12 weeks better improved cognitive and memory functions in normal adults (>30 years old), such as basic attention, emotional cognition, and associate learning (P<0.05), as compared to the placebo and young adults (<30 years old). Cognition and memory parameters were assessed via the computerised CogState Brief Battery at week 12.

 

The administration of Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 enhanced the serotonin pathway, as observed by lowered expressions of plasma dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase accompanied by increased expressions of tryptophan hydroxylase-2 and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor-6, while stabilising the dopamine pathway as observed via stabilized expressions of TH and DBH over 12 weeks as compared to the placebo (P<0.05).