A Pilot Study of Synbiotics in Adults With Depressive Symptoms

NCT ID: NCT06905223

Last Updated: 2025-06-08

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

30 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-04-03

Study Completion Date

2027-09-26

Brief Summary

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This study aims to explore the efficacy and safety of a synbiotic formula (MQU10) in improving mood and well-being in adults with mild to moderate depressive symptoms.

Detailed Description

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Major depression disorder (MDD) affects up to 20% of the population. In Hong Kong, one in seven suffered from mental health disorders with depressive disorder being one of the most frequent diagnoses. Depression is characterized by persistently low mood and loss of interest, possibly resulting from multifactorial factors including brain chemical abnormalities, genetics, stress, trauma and medical conditions. Current treatments for depression mainly include medication that alters neurotransmission in the brain and cognitive behavioural therapy to change cognitive distortions and their associated behaviours. However, there are side effects associated with the use of antidepressant medications as well as perceived stigma in receiving antidepressants and the uptake and accessibility of psychotherapy is extremely low. Thus, alternative therapeutic options are therefore needed to manage depression and its associated symptoms.

Emerging evidence suggests the important role of gut microbiota and gut-brain axis in mood regulation. In particular, there is high comorbidity among individuals with depression and gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. There is also evidence suggesting that gut microbiota could produce metabolites and compounds with neuroactive and immunomodulatory properties. Previous studies have also supported the association between the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and affective disorders. Clinical trials on the use of microbiome-based therapeutics showed some efficacy in improving depression and insomnia. Gut microbiota modulation could be a novel therapeutic strategy for improving mood problems.

This pilot, single-arm study aims to explore the efficacy and safety of a synbiotic formula (MQU10), which is composed of food-grade probiotic strains and prebiotic compounds, in improving mood and well-being in adults with mild to moderate depressive symptoms.

Conditions

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Depressive Symptoms Mild to Moderate in Severity

Study Design

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Allocation Method

NA

Intervention Model

SINGLE_GROUP

All subjects will receive one sachet of MQU10 for 6 weeks
Primary Study Purpose

OTHER

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

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MQU10

Subjects will take 1 sachet of synbiotics formula (MQU10) daily for 6 weeks

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

MQU10

Intervention Type DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

MQU10 consists of a blend of food-grade probiotic strains (20 billion CFU daily) and prebiotic compounds.

Interventions

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MQU10

MQU10 consists of a blend of food-grade probiotic strains (20 billion CFU daily) and prebiotic compounds.

Intervention Type DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Individuals aged 18 or above
* Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score between 5 to 14
* Literate and can complete the self-report questionnaires
* Able to understand the consent and sign the informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria

* Current diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence;
* A current or past history of bipolar disorder, manic or hypomanic episodes, schizophrenia, personality disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), intellectual disability, neurodegenerative disorders (e. g, Parkinson's disease) or organic mental disorder
* Requiring immediate psychiatric care (e. g, imminently suicidal subjects) or have attempted suicide in the past 3 months
* Use of antipsychotics, antidepressants or sedatives, unless on a stable dose in the last 4 weeks
* History of severe organ failure, renal failure on dialysis, HIV infection
* Active malignancy within 5 years
* History of major surgery on the gastrointestinal tract, except cholecystectomy and appendectomy in the past 5 years
* Night shift work
* History of antibiotic use within 4 weeks
* History of allergy to probiotics or lactose leading to a severe allergic reaction
* Known pregnancy or lactating
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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GenieBiome Limited

INDUSTRY

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Responsibility Role SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

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Jessica Ching, PhD

Role: STUDY_DIRECTOR

GenieBiome Limited

Locations

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GenieBiome Limited

Hong Kong, , Hong Kong

Site Status NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Healthymind Centre

Hong Kong, , Hong Kong

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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Hong Kong

Central Contacts

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Emily Fung, BSc

Role: CONTACT

(+852) 55024661

Pui Kuan Cheong, MPH

Role: CONTACT

(+852) 55024661

Facility Contacts

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Jessica Ching, PhD

Role: primary

(+852) 55024661

Moko Cheung, Bsc

Role: primary

9740 5209

Jessica CHING, PhD

Role: backup

9740 5209

References

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Yong SJ, Tong T, Chew J, Lim WL. Antidepressive Mechanisms of Probiotics and Their Therapeutic Potential. Front Neurosci. 2020 Jan 14;13:1361. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01361. eCollection 2019.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 32009871 (View on PubMed)

Poluektova E, Yunes R, Danilenko V. The Putative Antidepressant Mechanisms of Probiotic Bacteria: Relevant Genes and Proteins. Nutrients. 2021 May 10;13(5):1591. doi: 10.3390/nu13051591.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 34068669 (View on PubMed)

Huang R, Wang K, Hu J. Effect of Probiotics on Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2016 Aug 6;8(8):483. doi: 10.3390/nu8080483.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 27509521 (View on PubMed)

Lau RI, Su Q, Lau ISF, Ching JYL, Wong MCS, Lau LHS, Tun HM, Mok CKP, Chau SWH, Tse YK, Cheung CP, Li MKT, Yeung GTY, Cheong PK, Chan FKL, Ng SC. A synbiotic preparation (SIM01) for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome in Hong Kong (RECOVERY): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Infect Dis. 2024 Mar;24(3):256-265. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(23)00685-0. Epub 2023 Dec 7.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 38071990 (View on PubMed)

Pirbaglou M, Katz J, de Souza RJ, Stearns JC, Motamed M, Ritvo P. Probiotic supplementation can positively affect anxiety and depressive symptoms: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Res. 2016 Sep;36(9):889-898. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2016.06.009. Epub 2016 Jun 21.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 27632908 (View on PubMed)

Ito H, Tomura Y, Kitagawa Y, Nakashima T, Kobanawa S, Uki K, Oshida J, Kodama T, Fukui S, Kobayashi D. Effects of probiotics on sleep parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2024 Oct;63:623-630. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.07.006. Epub 2024 Aug 2.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 39094854 (View on PubMed)

Gil-Hernandez E, Ruiz-Gonzalez C, Rodriguez-Arrastia M, Ropero-Padilla C, Rueda-Ruzafa L, Sanchez-Labraca N, Roman P. Effect of gut microbiota modulation on sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Nutr Rev. 2023 Nov 10;81(12):1556-1570. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad027.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 37023468 (View on PubMed)

Li Y, Hao Y, Fan F, Zhang B. The Role of Microbiome in Insomnia, Circadian Disturbance and Depression. Front Psychiatry. 2018 Dec 5;9:669. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00669. eCollection 2018.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 30568608 (View on PubMed)

Matenchuk BA, Mandhane PJ, Kozyrskyj AL. Sleep, circadian rhythm, and gut microbiota. Sleep Med Rev. 2020 Oct;53:101340. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101340. Epub 2020 May 13.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 32668369 (View on PubMed)

Haarhuis JE, Kardinaal A, Kortman GAM. Probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics for better sleep quality: a narrative review. Benef Microbes. 2022 Aug 3;13(3):169-182. doi: 10.3920/BM2021.0122. Epub 2022 Jul 11.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 35815493 (View on PubMed)

Cryan JF, Dinan TG. Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2012 Oct;13(10):701-12. doi: 10.1038/nrn3346. Epub 2012 Sep 12.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 22968153 (View on PubMed)

Clapp M, Aurora N, Herrera L, Bhatia M, Wilen E, Wakefield S. Gut microbiota's effect on mental health: The gut-brain axis. Clin Pract. 2017 Sep 15;7(4):987. doi: 10.4081/cp.2017.987. eCollection 2017 Sep 15. No abstract available.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 29071061 (View on PubMed)

Brown JSL. Increasing access to psychological treatments for adults by improving uptake and equity: rationale and lessons from the UK. Int J Ment Health Syst. 2018 Nov 9;12:67. doi: 10.1186/s13033-018-0246-7. eCollection 2018.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 30455729 (View on PubMed)

Bet PM, Hugtenburg JG, Penninx BW, Hoogendijk WJ. Side effects of antidepressants during long-term use in a naturalistic setting. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2013 Nov;23(11):1443-51. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.05.001. Epub 2013 May 30.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 23726508 (View on PubMed)

Lam LC, Wong CS, Wang MJ, Chan WC, Chen EY, Ng RM, Hung SF, Cheung EF, Sham PC, Chiu HF, Lam M, Chang WC, Lee EH, Chiang TP, Lau JT, van Os J, Lewis G, Bebbington P. Prevalence, psychosocial correlates and service utilization of depressive and anxiety disorders in Hong Kong: the Hong Kong Mental Morbidity Survey (HKMMS). Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2015 Sep;50(9):1379-88. doi: 10.1007/s00127-015-1014-5. Epub 2015 Feb 8.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 25660760 (View on PubMed)

Kessler RC, Chiu WT, Demler O, Merikangas KR, Walters EE. Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005 Jun;62(6):617-27. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.617.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 15939839 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

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AM01 (GB)

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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