Mahsa Farasat
Nikta Niki
Sabihe Soleimanian-zad

Today, a number of studies conclusively show that certain bacterial strains, mainly from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) , influence the functioning of the central nervous system, leading to confer mental health benefits through interactions with commensal gut bacteria. Such strains serve as the basis for developing probiotics with a curative potential for the central nervous system — psychobioitcs. Some compounds produced by bacteria, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitterof the central nervous system, are potential mediators between bacterial cells and the host. GABA is distributed throughout the human body and it is involved in the regulation of cardiovascular conditions such as blood pressure and heart rate, and plays a role in the reduction of anxiety and pain. Although researchers had produced GABA by chemical method earlier it became less acceptable as it pollutes the environment. Researchers now use a more promising microbial method for the production of GABA.In the drug and food industry, demand for GABA is immense. So, large scale conversion of GABA by microbes has got much attention. This review focuses on the functions of GABA and its mechanism of action. We also summarize the LAB’s potential for GABA production in large scale.

GABA , LAB , “Fu nctional Foods” , psychobiotic