Jurnal Biologi Tropis
Vol. 26 No. 3 (2026): in Progress

The Potential of Probiotics for Modulating The Gut-Brain Axis to Enhance Cognitive Function: A Narrative Review

Latuconsina, Farhan Aimarsa (Unknown)
Kasasiah, Ahsanal (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
24 Jul 2026

Abstract

Cognitive decline is an important health issue because it is closely linked to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, impaired intestinal barrier function, and microbial imbalance, all of which accelerate neuronal aging and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. This article aims to review and analyze the biological mechanisms through which probiotics modulate communication between the digestive tract and the brain and how these mechanisms relate to cognitive outcomes. This review discusses key mechanistic pathways reported in the literature, including enhanced production of neurotransmitters such as gamma aminobutyric acid, serotonin, and dopamine; increased short chain fatty acids; improved integrity of the intestinal barrier and the blood–brain barrier; reduced inflammatory activity; increased neurotrophic factors; and regulation of physiological stress responses. Synthesis of the seven included studies shows that probiotics improve cognition through interconnected pathways that support memory performance, synaptic plasticity, and mood stability, and may prevent cognitive impairment associated with aging, inflammation, or postoperative stress. The implications of these findings suggest that probiotics hold considerable potential as a supportive approach for brain health, although their effectiveness depends on strain selection, dose, and duration. This article provides a comprehensive overview of mechanistic consistency across studies and offers a foundation for future research aimed at identifying optimal probiotic strategies to enhance cognitive function.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

JBT

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Immunology & microbiology

Description

Jurnal Biologi Tropis (ISSN Cetak 1411-9587 dan ISSN Online 2549-7863) diterbitkan mulai tahun 2000 dengan frekuensi 2 kali setahun oleh Program Studi Pendidikan Biologi PMIPA FKIP Universitas Mataram, berisi hasil penelitian dan ulasan Ilmiah dalam bidang Biologi ...