Gut bacteria may soothe anxiety: new trial tests probiotics

NCT ID NCT07331987

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Moon (Guangzhou) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether taking probiotics daily for 3 months can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in 60 adults with mild-to-moderate conditions. Participants will receive either probiotics, a placebo, or the antidepressant escitalopram. Researchers will measure changes in mood, sleep, and gut bacteria to see if probiotics offer a safe, natural way to support mental health.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and escitalopram (an antidepressant)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, natural supplement to help manage mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression alongside standard care.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 60 people. Probiotics may not outperform placebo, and results may not apply to everyone with anxiety depression.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder Depression mixed anxiety and depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANXIETY DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University
RECRUITING

Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

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