Volume No : (2026) Volume: 14 Issue : 65 Year : 2026 Page No: 34-39
Authors : Shravani A. Mete, Pramod Vitthalrao Burakle, Sagar Narendra Ande
Abstract :
Introduction: Anxiety disorders are associated with neurotransmitter imbalance, oxidative stress, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal -axis dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. Emerging evidence suggests that psychobiotics may influence emotional behavior through the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Bacillus clausii, a spore-forming probiotic, has shown immunomodulatory effects; however, its role in anxiety regulation remains unclear.
Aim: This study evaluated the anxiolytic potential of B. clausii and its effects on neurochemical, oxidative, and inflammatory changes in a restraint stress-induced anxiety model in rats.
Materials and Methods: Adult Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 5/group): Control, restraint stress, diazepam-treated, and two B. clausii treatment groups (once daily and twice daily). Anxiety was induced by restraint stress for 2 h/day for 14 days. Behavioral changes were assessed using the Elevated Plus Maze, Open Field Test, and Light–Dark Box test. Brain tissues were analyzed for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, catalase, and superoxide dismutase), inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta [IL-1β], interleukin-6, and nuclear factor kappa-B [NF-κB]), and histopathological alterations.
Results: Restraint stress produced significant anxiety-like behavior, oxidative imbalance, and increased neuroinflammatory markers. B. clausii treatment improved anxiety-related behaviors, increased brain GABA levels, enhanced antioxidant defenses, reduced lipid peroxidation, and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB signaling. Histological analysis showed reduced neuronal degeneration and improved amygdala architecture, with greater effects observed following twice-daily administration.
Conclusion: B. clausii exhibits anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects by modulating GABAergic signaling, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammatory pathways, supporting its potential as a psychobiotic intervention for stress-related anxiety disorders.
Keywords: Anxiety, Bacillus clausii, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, psychobiotic, restraint stress
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