E-Book

E-Book 3rd Congress

  • Targeting the Gut Microbiota: Exploring the Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Modulating Drug Metabolism and Efficacy
  • Fatemeh Sadat Shojaeddin,1 Faramarz Khosravi,2,*
    1. Bachelor’s student. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Modern Science and Technologies, Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Iran.
    2. Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.


  • Introduction: The gut microbiota, composed of trillions of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, has a significant impact on human health and disease. Recent research has revealed that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in drug metabolism and efficacy. Probiotics, live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed, and prebiotics, nondigestible substances that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, have gained attention for their potential to modulate the gut microbiota and influence drug responses. This study aims to explore the role of probiotics and prebiotics in modulating drug metabolism and efficacy through their effects on the gut microbiota. It sheds light on the mechanisms of interaction between the gut microbiota and drugs, the impact of probiotics and prebiotics on drug metabolism, and the potential clinical implications for optimizing drug therapy.
  • Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify studies investigating the role of probiotics and prebiotics in modulating drug metabolism and efficacy. Electronic databases were searched using relevant keywords, and studies published between 2013 and 2023 were included. The review encompassed in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical trials to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The mechanisms underlying the interaction between the gut microbiota and drugs, as well as the effects of probiotics and prebiotics on drug metabolism, were examined.
  • Results: The literature review revealed substantial evidence supporting the role of the gut microbiota in drug metabolism and efficacy. The gut microbiota can metabolize drugs, leading to altered bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy, and adverse effects. Probiotics and prebiotics have been shown to modulate the gut microbiota composition and functionality, thereby influencing drug metabolism and responses. They can affect drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion through various mechanisms, such as enzymatic activity, alteration of gut barrier function, and modulation of host immune responses. Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the potential of probiotics and prebiotics to enhance drug therapy in various therapeutic areas, including antibiotics, anticancer drugs, and cardiovascular medications.
  • Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that targeting the gut microbiota through the use of probiotics and prebiotics represents a promising approach to optimize drug therapy. Modulating the gut microbiota composition and functionality can influence drug metabolism, bioavailability, and efficacy, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes and reduced adverse effects. However, further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying the interactions between the gut microbiota, probiotics/prebiotics, and drugs, as well as to establish optimal dosing regimens and guidelines for their use in conjunction with specific medications. The integration of gut microbiota modulation strategies into clinical practice has the potential to revolutionize drug therapy and contribute to personalized medicine approaches.
  • Keywords: Probiotics -Drug -Metabolism and Efficacy