The Science behind Neuralli® MP
Learn more about how the gut is connected to neurological disorders and how
PS128™ can ameliorate associated symptoms
The Science behind Neuralli® MP
The Science behind Neuralli® MP
Learn more about how the gut is connected to neurological disorders and how PS128™ can ameliorate associated symptoms
Imbalance in the Gut-Brain Axis is associated with neurological disorders
Neurological disorders are classified as any disease that effects the nervous system or any abnormalities in the brain, spinal chord or the nerves. Neurological diseases can be categorized into distinct groups. Three of the larger groups that affect the central nervous system (CNS) include:
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Neurodevelopmental disorders which manifest during early childhood, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
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Neurodegenerative disorders which manifest after the gradual loss of neuron function, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD)
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Neuropsychiatric disorders (mental health conditions) are defined as a loss in mental cognition or function. Includes disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD)
Recent scientific evidence point out the undisputable link between the gut and the brain. This bi-directional communication system is known as the gut-brain axis (GBA), where the gut and brain send signals through the vagus nerve. The three groups of CNS disorders often share similarities in gut issues, such as gut dysbiosis, neuroinflammation, reduced intestinal barrier integrity (leaky gut), and oxidative stress. These lead to alteration of communication in the GBA.
Called the 'Second Brain' - having the second largest number of neurons besides our brain, our gut is connected to the brain via the Gut-Brain Axis (GBA). This is why we have “butterflies” in our stomach when we are nervous.
Unfortunately, gut issues such as constipation impact people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) on a daily basis. Low amounts of good bacteria have contributed to dopamine and serotonin imbalances, and unwanted symptoms. Patients with severe, later stages of PD may develop motor symptoms such as tremors and slowness of movements (bradykinesia).
Interestingly, research shows that treating the gut with Neurobiotics can help balance neurotransmitters such as dopamine, significantly improving the quality of life of those with PD.
The Neurobiotic - Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PS128™
The Neurobiotic - Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PS128™
Probiotics are live microorganisms, which can tip the balance of the gut microbiome, and are known for providing health benefits. But neurobiotics (psychobiotics) like the L. plantarum PS128 strain go further - providing benefits for those with Parkinson's disease, Autism, ADHD, and anxiety.
“Unlike pharmaceuticals merely overpowering our bodies’ functions, the fermented food-derived PS128 gently works with our microbiome.”
Probiotics are live microorganisms, which can tip the balance of the gut microbiome, and are known for providing health benefits. But neurobiotics (psychobiotics) like the L. plantarum PS128 strain go further - providing benefits for those with Parkinson's disease, Autism, ADHD, and Depression.
“Unlike pharmaceuticals merely overpowering our bodies’ functions, the fermented food-derived PS128 gently works with our microbiome.”
All about L. plantarum PS128™
All natural - isolated from Fu-Tsai
Self-affirmed GRAS
14 common allergens free
NutraIngredients Awards Winner 2018
18 clinical studies
52 patents granted
How was PS128™ identified?
Different strains of Lactiplantibacillus (Formerly Lactobacillus) plantarum are studied in various laboratories around the world, with some strains even appearing in probiotic products. What makes L. plantarum PS128 so special?
PS128 was isolated in 2007 from a batch of fu-tsai, a traditional fermented vegetable product. Professor Ying-Chieh Tsai’s research team at National Yang-Ming University was screening for a Lactobacillus strain for neurobiotic properties, and tested nearly 1,000 types of lactobacilli before discovering PS128.
Genomic sequencing validated PS128 as a unique strain, and certain sections of genes conferred its ability to code for proteins that have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, making PS128 a strong neurobiotic candidate.
PS128’s role on neurological disorders - Preclinical evidence
The first animal study of PS128 was done on germ-free mice - stertile rodents without a gut microbiota. This model is optimal to determine effects of single strain probiotics, in this case, PS128. This published study reported that germ-free mice that ingested PS128 showed elevated levels of dopamine and serotonin in the striatum of the brain.
The first disease model that tested for the psychobiotic properties of PS128 used maternal separated (MS) mice - a model for depression and anxiety. This study concluded that MS mice that ingested PS128 showed less behaviors associated with stress and anxiety. Significant reductions in serum corticosterone - the stress hormone in mice - was also observed in MS mice which ingested PS128.
These pilot studies, followed by various studies that use PS128 on other disease models, serve as solid evidence for PS128 as a neurologically active probiotic strain.
The first animal study of PS128 was done on germ-free mice - stertile rodents without a gut microbiota. This model is optimal to determine effects of single strain probiotics, in this case, PS128. This published study reported that germ-free mice that ingested PS128 showed elevated levels of dopamine and serotonin in the striatum of the brain.
The first disease model that tested for the psychobiotic properties of PS128 used maternal separated (MS) mice - a model for depression and anxiety. This study concluded that MS mice that ingested PS128 showed less behaviors associated with stress and anxiety. Significant reductions in serum corticosterone - the stress hormone in mice - was also observed in MS mice which ingested PS128.
These pilot studies, followed by various studies that use PS128 on other disease models, serve as solid evidence for PS128 as a neurologically active probiotic strain.
Beyond the Lab - The first clinical studies of PS128
One of the first clinical studies involving PS128 is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (D-B RCT) for autism.
Autistic boys aged 7-12 showed significant improvements in opposition/defiance behaviors and total score of the SNAP-IV questionnaire, which is used to evaluate ADHD and ODD in children.
Other early clinical studies included a case study on patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and a D-B RCT on triathletes. PS128 was shown to alleviate depressive symptoms and confer antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties respectively.
Over the years, the clinical study pipeline of PS128 has extended to more avenues of neurological indications.
Other early clinical studies included a case study on patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and a D-B RCT on triathletes. PS128 was shown to alleviate depressive symptoms and confer antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties respectively.
Over the years, the clinical study pipeline of PS128 has extended to more avenues of neurological indications.
PS128 - Clinical indications
Neurodevelopmental
Reduced opposition and defiance behavior
Subjects: 80 boys with ASD aged 7-15
Duration: 4 weeks
Findings: PS128 supplementation showed significant improvement in opposition/defiance behavior by over 15%.
Subjects: 80 boys with ASD aged 7-15
Duration: 4 weeks
Findings: PS128 supplementation showed significant improvement in opposition/defiance behavior by over 15%.
Improved attention span
Subjects: 57 children with Tourette syndrome aged 5-18
Duration: 2 months
Findings: PS128 supplementation showed significant improvement in attention span by 20.4% (compared to 12.7% in placebo).
Subjects: 57 children with Tourette syndrome aged 5-18
Duration: 2 months
Findings: PS128 supplementation showed significant improvement in attention span by 20.4% (compared to 12.7% in placebo).
Improved hyperactivity and impulsivity
Subjects: 57 children with Tourette syndrome aged 5-18
Duration: 2 months
Findings: PS128 supplementation showed significant improvement in hyperactivity/impulsivity score by 29.3% (compared to 12.4% in placebo).
Subjects: 57 children with Tourette syndrome aged 5-18
Duration: 2 months
Findings: PS128 supplementation showed significant improvement in hyperactivity/impulsivity score by 29.3% (compared to 12.4% in placebo).
Neuropsychiatric
Alleviate depressive symptoms
Subjects: 11 patients with MDD aged 20-65
Duration: 8 weeks
Findings: Depressive symptoms were significantly ameliorated after PS128 supplementation
Alleviate somatic symptoms associated with depression
Subjects: 11 patients with MDD aged 20-65
Duration: 8 weeks
Findings: Somatic symptoms (chest pain, heartache, etc.) were significantly ameliorated after PS128 supplementation
Subjects: 11 patients with MDD aged 20-65
Duration: 8 weeks
Findings: Somatic symptoms (chest pain, heartache, etc.) were significantly ameliorated after PS128 supplementation
Significantly alleviate stress
Subjects: 36 highly stressed IT specialists aged 20-60
Duration: 8 weeks
Findings: Significant improvement in self-perceived stress after PS128 supplementation
Subjects: 36 highly stressed IT specialists aged 20-60
Duration: 8 weeks
Findings: Significant improvement in self-perceived stress after PS128 supplementation
Significantly reduce anxiety
Subjects: 36 highly stressed IT specialists aged 20-60
Duration: 8 weeks
Findings: Significant improvement in state trait anxiety index after PS128 supplementation
Subjects: 36 highly stressed IT specialists aged 20-60
Duration: 8 weeks
Findings: Significant improvement in state trait anxiety index after PS128 supplementation
Significantly reduce sleep disturbances
Subjects: 36 highly stressed IT specialists aged 20-60
Duration: 8 weeks
Findings: Significant reduction in sleep disturbances after PS128 supplementation
Subjects: 36 highly stressed IT specialists aged 20-60
Duration: 8 weeks
Findings: Significant reduction in sleep disturbances after PS128 supplementation
Neurodegenerative
Improved motor symptoms
Subjects: 25 patients with PD aged 52-75
Duration: 12 weeks
Findings: PS128 supplementation significantly improved motor scores in PD in both the ON period and OFF period.
Subjects: 25 patients with PD aged 52-75
Duration: 12 weeks
Findings: PS128 supplementation significantly improved motor scores in PD in both the ON period and OFF period.
Prolonged ON period and shortened OFF period
Subjects: 25 patients with PD aged 52-75
Duration: 12 weeks
Findings: PS128 supplementation significantly prolonged the ON period and shortened the OFF period in PD.
Subjects: 25 patients with PD aged 52-75
Duration: 12 weeks
Findings: PS128 supplementation significantly prolonged the ON period and shortened the OFF period in PD.
Improved quality of life in PD
Subjects: 25 patients with PD aged 52-75
Duration: 12 weeks
Findings: More than ⅔ of PD patients reported an improved quality of life after PS128 supplementation.
Subjects: 25 patients with PD aged 52-75
Duration: 12 weeks
Findings: More than ⅔ of PD patients reported an improved quality of life after PS128 supplementation.
For more clinical study details
Bened Life - On a Mission to Unlock the Gut-Brain Axis
Derived from the Latin root “benedicere”, which means “blessed” or “full of blessings”, the Bened Life team comes from all walks of life, united by a common mission to advance science, improve health, and build a sensory inclusive world. And KultureCity, an NGO for neurodiverse people, has been a partner for our dream.
Bened Life is dedicated to promoting neurological and mental health with pharma-grade brain probiotics, backed by over 30 years of research experience, and clinical studies. With Neuralli MP, we are making meaningful impact on individuals and families globally.
“Let’s have a world where one can thrive regardless of how one perceives the world -
a world where we all can all truly live a bened life.”
The Future of Bened Life’s Scientific Research
By unlocking the gut-brain axis, Bened Life aims to deliver customer-centric research - focusing on more clinically meaningful outcomes in favor of individuals who have a neurological condition.
In the pursuit of scientific integrity, Bened Life’s Scientific Advisory Board consists of researchers whose expertise specialize on the microbiome and neurodivergent health.
Bened Life’s team of research consultants for 2024 is led by Prof. Jack Gilbert. The team is currently designing a clinical trial with Autistic adults.
Jack Gilbert, PhD
Professor, Pediatrics and Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Director, Microbiome and Metagenomics Center, UCSD
