Revealing The Gut-brain Connection: The Effects of Microbiota Extend Beyond Digestion | Chapter 9 | Pharmaceutical Science: New Insights and Developments Vol. 9

 

The gut microbiome is a dynamic internal ecosystem that plays a crucial role in shaping our overall health. A balanced gut microbiome aids in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, mental clarity, and emotional regulation, and protects against diseases such as diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune conditions. Comprising bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms, this vast ecosystem is essential but often overlooked in its impact on health. It transforms dietary components into important neurotransmitters and antioxidants, including serotonin and indole-3-propionic acid (IPA). However, factors like poor diet, excessive hygiene, stress, and antibiotic use can disrupt this delicate balance by decreasing microbial diversity and impairing function. The gut microbiota is linked not only to digestive diseases but also to mental health conditions. This chapter emphasises the influence of stress, probiotics, circadian rhythms, diet, and environmental exposures on the gut microbiota’s interaction with brain function via the gut-brain axis—a bidirectional communication system. It explores how gut microbes affect the nervous system through neurotransmitters, the endocrine system, immune mechanisms, and microbial metabolites. Additionally, it discusses how alterations in gut microbiota may be involved in psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

 

 

Author(s) Details

Chandrasekar R
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, AP, India.

 

Pooja R.P
Department of Pharmacognosy, Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, AP, India.

 

Sadhana A
Department of Pharmacognosy, Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, AP, India.

 

Snehalatha K
Department of Pharmacognosy, Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, AP, India.

 

Prasanna Venkatesh J
Department of Pharmacognosy, Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, AP, India.

 

Selvakumar M
Department of Pharmacognosy, Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, AP, India.

 

Sivagami B

Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, AP, India.

 

Kumanan R
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Devaki Amma Memorial College of Pharmacy, Malappuram, 673634, Kerala, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/psnid/v9/6889