Repurposing gut microbiota modulators: insights into current and novel applications

Abstract Background Gut microbiota modulators (GMMs), including probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, play a crucial role in maintaining gut health and influencing immunity, metabolism, and the gut–brain axis. Recently, these agents have gained interest for their potential to be repurposed beyond gastrointestinal disorders to target neurological, metabolic, and immune-related diseases. Main body Emerging evidence highlights the therapeutic versatility of GMMs. They exhibit protective effects against gastrointestinal infections such as Salmonella and Clostridioides difficile by enhancing mucosal immunity and suppressing pathogens. In neurological disorders, GMMs mitigate neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, showing potential benefits in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Their role in modulating neurotransmitter balance also supports applications in autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Furthermore, integrating GMMs into drug delivery systems improves targeted therapeutic delivery and minimizes adverse effects. Conclusion Repurposing GMMs represents an innovative and sustainable approach for precision medicine. By modulating gut microbial composition and signaling pathways, GMMs may extend therapeutic benefits to a range of systemic diseases. However, large-scale clinical trials are still required to validate efficacy, establish standardized protocols, and clarify safety concerns.