MicrobioTx announces results of its latest study pointing to gut health as a key pillar of preventive mental wellness
As conversations around mental wellbeing continue to grow during Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, Bengaluru-based startup MicrobioTx is drawing attention to the growing scientific link between gut health and emotional wellbeing.
Emerging research increasingly suggests that the gut microbiome – the trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms living in the digestive system, play an important role in various aspects of mental wellness such as stress response, mood regulation, sleep quality, anxiety, and cognitive health.
Often referred to as the body’s “second brain,” the gut communicates with the brain through the gut-brain axis. Psychiatric conditions co-exist in approximately 60% of the population with gastrointestinal disorders, indicating the role of the gut in regulating mental health and wellbeing. Furthermore, scientific studies indicate that imbalances in gut bacteria may contribute to stress sensitivity, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
“Science is increasingly proving that the gut is the architect of mental wellness. In my practice, I frequently see gut issues in people suffering from various psychiatric conditions. The future would be about integrating gut health related interventions in therapeutic setup”, says Dr Mahima Malhotra, Principal Investigator & Associate Professor – Psychiatry, Maulana Azad Medical College.
MicrobioTx’s research shows that helpful bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are linked to the production of key neurotransmitters (serotonin and GABA) associated with mood and emotional regulation. Nearly 90% of serotonin, known as the “feel-good” chemical, is produced in the gut, making microbiome balance an increasingly important part of holistic wellness conversations.
“Gut health is no longer just a digestive health conversation. We are increasingly understanding how deeply connected the gut is to mental wellbeing, sleep, immunity, and overall quality of life,” said Dr. Palok Aich, Dean R&D NISER and leading gut microbiome researcher. “As awareness around preventive and personalized healthcare grows, gut health will play a larger role in the future of mental wellness.”
This shift is also reflected in innovation emerging from India’s health tech ecosystem. MicrobioTx has been working on microbiome-led wellness solutions aimed at making gut health testing and personalized interventions more accessible in India. Their Gut Function Test was recently proven for profiling mental wellness related gut microbes in a clinical study.
MicrobioTx offers MoodTx, a mental wellness probiotic, scientifically designed to support depression, stress, anxiety, and sleep quality through targeted microbiome support.
A study conducted at 3 sites with 3 mental wellness experts (wellness therapist, consultant psychologist and a neuropsychiatrist) for patients with symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression reported encouraging outcomes among participants using MoodTx:
- 100% of participants with anxiety and depression reported over 50% improvement in symptoms
- 86% showed improvements across stress, anxiety, and depression indicators
- 75% of stress patients reported symptom improvement
The findings reflect the growing shift toward preventive, personalized, and microbiome-led healthcare approaches globally.
“Since I started taking MoodTx there has been a noticeable reduction in my overall body pain. Earlier, the pain often forced me to take breaks from work, but now I can manage my responsibilities comfortably. I feel much better physically, and this positive change and new-found energy has also been noticed by my family.”
— Kusuma Shetty
“I began taking one capsule (MoodTx) daily. Earlier, I felt very lethargic and sleepy during work hours, and my mind was often overwhelmed. Gradually, I started feeling more active, focused, and calm, with much less overthinking. Despite going through the sudden loss of my son, I am able to cope and manage myself.”
— Bhagya
