Abstract

*P. Lekhana, J. M. V. Lakshmi, S. Ahammad, Dr. T. Sharath Babu

ABSTRACT

Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that confer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts, have gained considerable attention for their therapeutic and preventive roles in maintaining gut health.[1] The human gut microbiota plays a crucial role in digestion, immune modulation, and metabolic homeostasis, and its imbalance (dysbiosis) has been linked to various gastrointestinal and systemic disorders.[2] Probiotics exert beneficial effects through multiple mechanisms, including restoration of microbial balance, enhancement of intestinal barrier integrity, inhibition of pathogenic bacteria, and modulation of host immune responses.[3] Clinical evidence supports their efficacy in conditions such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and infections.[2] Emerging research also highlights their role in metabolic health, gut-brain axis modulation, and prevention of chronic diseases.[8] Despite promising outcomes, variability in strain-specific effects and host responses presents challenges in standardizing probiotic therapy.[1] This review summarizes the mechanisms, therapeutic applications, preventive potential, and future perspectives of probiotics in gut health, emphasizing their evolving role in evidence-based clinical practice.