The effect of multispecies probiotics on cognitive reactivity to sad mood in patients with Crohn’s disease

Abstract Background Gut microbiota could modulate brain functions and consequent behavior through gut-brain axis. We evaluated the impact of intestinal flora using probiotics in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) on cognitive reactivity to sad mood. Method Patients in Group 1 received multiple probiotics followed by Chamomile capsules. Patients in Group 2 received Chamomile capsules followed by multiple probiotics. Patients accomplished the Leiden Index of Depression Sensitivity (LEIDS-r), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaires after each cycle of cross-over treatment. Results The baseline LEIDS-r in two groups did not have significant difference. After 3 weeks of treatment, patients in Group 1 had better LEIDS-r scores compared with patients in Group 2 (36.6 vs. 40.9, P = 0.012). After crossover, patients in Group 1 had worse LEIDS-r scores compared with patients in Group 2 (39.2 vs. 35.2, P = 0. 0.016). Conclusion Probiotics have the tendency to improve cognitive reactivity to sad mood in CD patients.