Abstract:

This patent discloses a probiotic composition aimed at alleviating depressive and anxiety behaviors. The composition consists of two probiotic strains: Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL11 and Lacticaseibacillus casei LC89. The combination of these strains has been found to synergistically improve the efficacy in alleviating depressive or anxiety-related behaviors when compared to the use of a single strain.

Background:

Depression and anxiety are common mental health disorders influenced by various factors, including stress and health conditions. Traditional antidepressant medications, while effective, have side effects such as nausea, headaches, and sexual dysfunction. Probiotics offer a promising alternative, as they can modulate gut microbiota, which is intricately linked to mental health through the gut-brain axis. This invention seeks to develop a safer, more effective probiotic solution for preventing and managing depression and anxiety.

Claims:

1. Probiotic Composition:
The probiotic composition comprises Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL11 (CGMCC No. 24412) and Lactobacillus casei LC89 (CGMCC No. 15409), with ratios ranging from 1:20 to 20:1 of viable cells.

2. Probiotic Preparation:
The probiotic preparation can include freeze-dried powders, capsules, tablets, or granules with a total viable count not less than 1×10⁹ CFU per mL or g.

3. Application:
The composition is intended for the preparation of products aimed at preventing, improving, or treating depressive or anxiety disorders. The final product may include excipients like binders or functional agents such as prebiotics (e.g., inulin, FOS).

Experimental Evidence:

The patent outlines several experiments demonstrating the effectiveness of the probiotic combination in alleviating depressive and anxiety-like behaviors in mice:

1. Forced Swim Test:
The combination of BL11 and LC89 significantly reduced immobility time in mice, indicating decreased depressive behavior.

2. Tail Suspension Test:
Similar to the swim test, probiotic intervention led to less immobility, suggesting a reduction in depressive symptoms.

3. Elevated Plus Maze and Jump Test:
Mice treated with the probiotics showed increased time spent in the open arms of the maze, reflecting reduced anxiety.

Conclusion:

This invention provides an innovative probiotic composition that enhances the therapeutic effects on depressive and anxiety behaviors. The synergy between Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL11 and Lacticaseibacillus casei LC89 offers a novel, safe approach for managing mental health disorders through gut microbiota modulation.