Methods and compositions using bifidobacterium longum to treat or prevent depressive symptoms

Abstract

Compositions and methods use Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001 (ATCC BAA-999) to treat or prevent a depressive symptom. Prolonged anti-depressive effects can continue after administration of the compositions is ended. Non-limiting examples of a depressive symptom which can be treated or prevented include depressed mood; sadness; anxiety; "empty" feelings; loss of interest or pleasure; irritability; restlessness; changes in appetite or weight; sleep disturbances; lack of or decreased energy; feelings of worthlessness; guilt; helplessness; anger and hostility; difficulty in thinking, concentrating,or making decisions; hopelessness; tiredness; fatigue; memory difficulties; tearfulness; brooding; phobias; excessive worry over physical health; sexual dysfunction; persistent physical symptoms thatdo not respond to treatment; and combinations thereof. These depressive symptoms can be associated with a depressive state or depressive disorder or can be found sub-clinically or not associated withthese depressive states/disorders (e.g., not part of a syndrome or psychiatric disorder).

Description

Background technique [0001] This disclosure generally relates to probiotics. In particular, compositions and methods for treating or preventing depressive symptoms using Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001 (ATCC BAA-999) are disclosed. [0002] Depression (both physical and emotional) has a significant negative impact on quality of life. Depression is associated with impaired neurotransmission such as low neurotransmitter levels. Accordingly, compounds that increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and thus facilitate their transmission exhibit antidepressant properties as well as beneficial effects on a variety of other psychiatric disorders. The major neurotransmitters are serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, glutamate, gamma-amino-butyric acid, and neuropeptides. Enhanced neurotransmission is achieved by increasing the concentration of neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft, thus making neurotransmitter available to enhance or prolon...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Examples of "depressive disorder not otherwise specified" include premenstrual dysphoric disorder, mild depressive disorder, recurrent short-term depressive disorder, and where a clinician has diagnosed a depressive disorder but cannot identify a depressive disorder due to a general medical condition or substance trigger Whether it is the main cause of the situation

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