Gut-Microbiota and Mental Health: Current and Future Perspectives

Recently, there is a growing interest of research on the relationship of gut-microbiota and neurological disorders. Increasing number of findings suggests the broader role of gut-microbiota in the modulation of various physiological and pathological conditions and it is now well recognized that a bidirectional communication between brain and gut-microbiota is essential to maintain homeostasis. The gut-brain axis includes central nervous system (CNS), the neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems, autonomic nervous system, enteric nervous system, and intestinal microbiota. Probiotics (i.e., live microorganisms similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut) are reported to modulate a number of disorders including metabolic disorders, behavioral conditions and cognitive functions. This review covers the significance of gut-brain axis in relation to the overall mental well-being. Apart from the recent studies highlighting the importance of gut-brain axis, here we also reviewed the interaction of few herbal medicines with gut-brain axis. Animal studies have indicated that some herbs or their isolated constituents alter the normal gut flora and have prominent effect on behavioral condition such as anxiety depression and cognition. Thus alteration of gut-brain axis by traditional medicines will be a potential strategy for the management of comorbid CNS disorders and gastrointestinal problems.