Lactobacillus reuteri E9 regulates sleep disorders through its metabolite GABA by modulating inhibitory neurotransmitters and sleep-related receptor expression.

Q: What is Lactobacillus reuteri E9?

It is a non-toxic, drug-resistant probiotic strain isolated and characterized for its potential to regulate sleep disorders via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Q: How does Lactobacillus reuteri E9 affect sleep?

It upregulates inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA, taurine, glycine, and serine, and increases expression of GABA and melatonin receptor genes, leading to sedative effects in a zebrafish model.

Q: What model was used to test Lactobacillus reuteri E9?

A pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced zebrafish model of sleep disorder was used to evaluate its effects.

Q: Is Lactobacillus reuteri E9 safe for humans?

The abstract states it is non-toxic and drug-resistant, but human studies are needed to confirm safety and efficacy.

Lactobacillus reuteri E9 significantly upregulated inhibitory neurotransmitters including GABA, taurine, glycine, and serine (p < 0.05) in a PTZ-induced zebrafish model of sleep disorder. It reduced seizures and hyperactivity, and upregulated GABA receptor genes and melatonin receptor (Mtnr1aa) genes in zebrafish neural tissue.

Last updated: Jul 7, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score24/100

Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆

Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆

Mechanism★★★★★

Safety★★★★☆

Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Lactobacillus reuteri E9 Regulates Sleep Disorders Through Its Metabolite GABA.

observational

Jiang Y, Guo L, He H, Chen H, Chen T, Liu Y, Zhao W · Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition) (2025)

Participants: N/A

Duration: N/A

Intervention: Lactobacillus reuteri E9 (probiotic strain)

Outcome: Neurotransmitter levels (GABA, taurine, glycine, serine), seizure activity, hyperactivity, GABA receptor gene expression, melatonin receptor (Mtnr1aa) gene expression

Effect Size: N/A

Population: Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced zebrafish model of sleep disorder

Result:

PubMed: 40613302 DOI: 10.31083/FBL39587

Mechanism Graph

E9 upregulates inhibitory neurotransmitters (GABA, taurine, glycine, serine)

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E9 upregulates GABA receptor gene expression in neural tissue

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E9 upregulates melatonin receptor (Mtnr1aa) gene expression

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Result: Reduced seizures and hyperactivity, sedative effects

Limitations

⚠Animal model (zebrafish) may not fully translate to human sleep disorders
⚠Abstract does not report effect sizes or confidence intervals for key outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lactobacillus reuteri E9?▼

It is a non-toxic, drug-resistant probiotic strain isolated and characterized for its potential to regulate sleep disorders via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

How does Lactobacillus reuteri E9 affect sleep?▼

It upregulates inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA, taurine, glycine, and serine, and increases expression of GABA and melatonin receptor genes, leading to sedative effects in a zebrafish model.

What model was used to test Lactobacillus reuteri E9?▼

A pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced zebrafish model of sleep disorder was used to evaluate its effects.

Is Lactobacillus reuteri E9 safe for humans?▼

The abstract states it is non-toxic and drug-resistant, but human studies are needed to confirm safety and efficacy.

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References

1.Jiang Y, Guo L, He H, Chen H, Chen T, Liu Y, Zhao W. "Lactobacillus reuteri E9 Regulates Sleep Disorders Through Its Metabolite GABA.." Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition), 2025. PMID: 40613302 DOI: 10.31083/FBL39587

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.