Assessment of the probiotic therapeutic potential of the Alcaligenes faecalis A12C in improving mental health: experimental study in Sprague Dawley rat

Abstract

This study explores the probiotic potential of the bacterium Alcaligenes faecalis A12C in enhancing mental health, focusing on anxiety, depression, and memory in Sprague Dawley rats. The research objective was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of this probiotic strain in mitigating mental and neurodegenerative disorders through well-established behavioral assays and biomarkers. The experiment utilized twelve male Sprague Dawley rats, divided into two groups: a control group and a treatment group receiving A. faecalis A12C. The probiotic was administered via drinking water over 45 days. Behavioral tests conducted included the Open Field Test for anxiety, the Forced Swim Test for depression, and short- and long-term memory tests. Additionally, vitamin D levels were measured as a potential biomarker for depression. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety and depressive behaviors in the probiotic group compared to controls. Specifically, the Open Field Test indicated increased exploration and decreased anxiety, while the Forced Swim Test showed reduced immobility, suggesting lower depressive states. Memory assessments revealed improvements in both short- and long-term memory in the probiotic group. The biochemical analysis indicated higher vitamin D levels in rats receiving the probiotic, correlating with improved mental health outcomes. These findings support the hypothesis that A. faecalis A12C may exert beneficial effects on mental health, potentially through modulation of gut-brain axis interactions. This study highlights the probiotic’s role in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression and improving cognitive function, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic intervention for mental health disorders. Future research should aim to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and validate these effects in larger, more diverse populations.