Effects of Probiotics on Drug Absorption and Metabolism

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63345/ijrmp.v12.i2.4

Nikhil Subba

Independent Researcher

Sikkim, India

Abstract

The interplay between probiotics and drug absorption and metabolism represents an evolving area of pharmaceutical research. Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that confer health benefits, have traditionally been linked to gastrointestinal and immune functions. However, emerging evidence suggests that they may also modulate the pharmacokinetics of co‐administered medications. This study investigates the effects of probiotic supplementation on drug absorption and metabolic pathways, focusing on in vivo and in vitro models. We hypothesized that probiotics could alter intestinal barrier function, enzyme expression, and gut microbiota composition, leading to significant variations in drug bioavailability. Our methodology incorporated a randomized controlled trial design and advanced biochemical assays. Statistical analyses, including comparative group evaluations, revealed differences in absorption rates and metabolic enzyme activity in probiotic versus control groups. Findings indicate that probiotics can either enhance or inhibit drug metabolism depending on strain specificity, dosage, and drug type. These observations underscore the need for further investigations into clinical applications and potential adjustments in dosing regimens when probiotics are co‐administered. This manuscript offers an extensive literature review up to 2022, detailed methodology, statistical evaluation, and a discussion on the implications of these findings. The results provide a foundation for integrating probiotic use in personalized medicine to optimize therapeutic outcomes.

Keywords

Probiotics; drug absorption; metabolism; pharmacokinetics; gut microbiota; enzyme modulation

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