Each person hosts a wide variety of bacteria—known as the microbiota—that live in different parts of the body, such as the skin and the gut. The gut microbiota plays a key role in both physical and mental health by interacting with the immune system and the nervous system of the gut, often called the “second brain.” This connection allows substances like serotonin and GABA, produced by certain bacteria, to interact with the brain. Among these beneficial bacteria are probiotics, and a new class includes Bacillus species, which form resilient spores capable of surviving stomach acid. Once in the intestine, they germinate and activate their beneficial effects. Recent studies on Bacillus subtilis—conducted in both England and Argentina—have shown, in animal models, its ability to protect neurons, support mental health, and reduce signs of diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Related Papers:
- Francisco M and Grau R (2018). Probiotic Bacillus subtilis prevents alpha-synuclein aggregation and extends the healthy lifespan in Parkinson disease model Caenorhabditis elegans. Advances in Alzheimer & Parkinson therapies and AAT-AD / PD Focus Meeting. Turin – Italy, 15 – 18 March.
- Cogliati S., Clementi V., Francisco M., Crespo C., Argañaraz F., and Grau R. (2020). Bacillus subtilis delays neurodegeneration and behavioral impairment in the Alzheimer´s disease model Caenorhabditis elegans. J. Alz. Dis. 73 (3): 1035-1052. Doi: 10.3233/JAD-190837.
- Goya M, Sue F, y col (2020). Probiotic Bacillus subtilis protects against alpha synuclein aggregation in C. elegans. Cell Rep (30)2: 367 – 380.
- Francisco M, Grau R. Biofilm proficient Bacillus subtilis prevents neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans Parkinson’s disease models via PMK-1/p38 MAPK and SKN-1/Nrf2 signaling. Sci Rep. 2025 Mar 21;15(1):9864. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-93737-4.