Impact of GABA Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum Lp815 on Sleep Outcomes in Participants with Self-Reported Sleep Disturbance

A Direct-to-Consumer, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Assessing the Impact of GABA Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum Lp815 on Sleep Outcomes in Participants with Self-Reported Sleep Disturbance

The rationale for this study is to observe differences in sleep outcomes between a consumer-grade probiotic capsule called GABA Probiotic and a placebo control group. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate the impact of the probiotic product on anxiety, gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep quality, daytime alertness, mood, stress, severity of night sweats (if present), and quality of life. In a subset of participants, the study also aims to evaluate how the probiotic affects neurotransmitter levels in the body using an at-home urinary test. A consumer-driven, decentralized observational clinical research study is therefore well-suited for evaluating the impact of this probiotic product in this population.

Study Overview

• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Conditions: Insomnia (moderate)
• Intervention / Treatment: Dietary supplement: GABA Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp815 (5 Billion cfu/dose); Other: Placebo; Diagnostic test: Optional Sub-Study: Neurotransmitter Urine Test

Detailed Description

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the human nervous system, helping to slow down the stimulation of nerve signals in the brain. GABA plays a pivotal role in calming anxiety, reducing stress and improving sleep. Deficits in GABA levels can lead to a cascade of disorders ranging from anxiety and stress to mood swings and depression. Advancements in understanding the role of the microbiome in the Gut-Brain Axis have highlighted its untapped potential in regulating mood, stress, and sleep via neurotransmitter production.

Several bacterial strains, including lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria and others, have demonstrated GABA production capabilities. However, the magnitude of GABA output varies among these strains, and their efficacy in GABA synthesis within the human gastrointestinal environment is uncertain. This stems from the fact that GABA synthesis, typically a pH-stress response, stalls in less acidic environments.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp815 stands out. Using advanced computational and high-throughput screening techniques, we identified this strain's superior GABA production capability. Remarkably, it synthesizes a significant amount of GABA within the physiologically relevant pH range.

The study will evaluate self-reported sleep disturbance in a broad age-range of adults who have chosen to try this product. The study will incorporate participant reported outcome questionnaires and surveys, the use of a health tracking wearable device to explore objective digital outcome measures of sleep, heart rate and heart rate variability and in a subset of participants, the study will utilize an at-home urinary test to evaluate neurotransmitter levels in the body. There is no "doctor-patient" relationship as part of this research since the participant as a consumer is making the informed choice to take the product and take part in the observational process with self-reported measures and a simple urine test that can be done at home. Findings from this study will contribute knowledge toward the dosing and formulation of the probiotic product and the design of future studies.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 150

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • California
    • Los Angeles, California, United States, 90034
      • People Science, Inc.

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

Generally healthy participants (all genders) 18 years or older who have self-reported sleep disturbance with a score of >15 on the screening Insomnia Severity Index questionnaire.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18 years old
• Has self-reported sleep disturbance
• Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score of > 15, with score on question on difficulty falling asleep > 2 ("moderate") at screening
• Interested in understanding more about their sleep and choose to use the probiotic product
• Willing to do a 1-week washout out of any OTC or other products for sleep and/or (e.g. melatonin, anticholinergics, valerian root etc.) prior to randomization and refrain from use for the duration of the study
• Willing to do a 4-week washout from any systemic antibiotic, prebiotic, probiotic and postbiotic use prior to randomization
• If taking prescription medications for sleep and/or anxiety (e.g. Benzodiazepines, zolpidem, zaleplon, SSRIs, Buspirone, Tricyclics, MAOIs), or other class of medication for sleep, must be on a "stable dose" for at least 4 weeks prior to randomization. "Stable dose" is defined as no changes in dosage or frequency of the specified medications for at least 4 weeks prior to randomization and throughout the study period.
• If using any cannabis-containing products, must be on a stable dose for at least 4 weeks prior to randomization and consume < 10 mg/day of THC
• If regularly consuming alcohol, must be willing to stay on a stable amount throughout the study period and to log alcohol consumption.
• In good general health at the time of screening (Investigator discretion).
• Able to read and understand English.
• Able to read, understand, and provide informed consent.
• Able to use a personal smartphone device and download Chloe by People Science.
• Able to receive shipment of the product at an address within the United States.
• Is willing to wear, sync daily, and charge twice weekly a provisioned health tracking wearable device (Oura ring) everyday (up to 7 weeks) during sleep. If the participant already has an Oura ring, they can use their own device and account.
• Able to complete study assessments over the course of up to 7 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Do not have a smartphone and/or internet access.

• Concomitant Therapies:

  • Participants taking prescription medication for sleep and/or anxiety (e.g. Benzodiazepines, zolpidem, zaleplon, SSRIs, Buspirone, Tricyclics, MAOIs) not on a stable dose for at least 4 weeks
  • Participants receiving Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi)
  • Participants receiving any investigational therapies or treatments within 30 days prior to randomization.
  • Participants taking any other prescription medications that impact systemic GABA levels (e.g., GABA supplements, barbiturates, gabapentin, pregabalin, valproate, tiagabine, vigabatrin, baclofen)
  • Participants currently taking or have taken probiotics, prebiotics or postbiotics within the past 4 weeks prior to randomization.
  • Current antibiotic use or use within 4 weeks prior to randomization.

• Other Illnesses or Conditions: Participants who have the following conditions or comorbidities are excluded:

  • Confirmed diagnoses of the following sleep disorders: Narcolepsy, Restless Leg Syndrome, Circadian Rhythm Disorders
  • Confirmed diagnosis of Sleep Apnea that is untreated or not well controlled
  • Known diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Current or prior history of psychotic disorder
  • Confirmed diagnosis of major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder
  • Diagnosed with Alcohol or Substance Abuse Disorder
  • Currently pregnant, planning to become pregnant in the next 1 month, or breastfeeding
  • Presence of any infection or illness that causes chronic night-waking or impairs ability to retain urine overnight (e.g., chronic pain, uncontrolled benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, urinary tract infection, catheterization, etc.).
  • Have a significant illness, disease or condition which, in the opinion of the principal investigator, may impact their ability to participate in the trial or impact the trial outcomes.
• Known hypersensitivity or previous allergic reaction to microcrystalline cellulose (MCC).
• Presence of another environmental factor that severely impacts sleep quality (e.g., a new baby, pet or other loved one that wakes frequently or needs frequent care or feeding throughout the night)
• Work in an environment requiring shift work (e.g., rotating shifts, night shifts, or irregular hours).
• Have any known and planned international travel during the study period.
• Are unlikely for any reason to be able to comply with the trial or considered unsuited for participation in the study by the Principal Investigator.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

3

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort	Intervention / Treatment
Study Product; Participants who meet the study eligibility criteria will be randomly assigned to the study product or the placebo group. The study product will contain the GABA Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp815 (5 Billion cfu/dose) and Microcrystalline Methylcellulose.	Dietary supplement: GABA Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp815 (5 Billion cfu/dose); 75 participants will be randomized into the study product group.
Placebo; Participants who meet the study eligibility criteria will be randomly assigned to the study product or the placebo group. The study placebo will only contain Microcrystalline Methylcellulose.	Other: Placebo; 75 participants will be randomized into the placebo group.
Optional Sub-Study: Neurotransmitter Urine Test; Participants who meet the study eligibility criteria and who opt-in to the sub-study will be given the Optional Sub-Study Informed Consent Form and be asked to complete neurotransmitter urine tests during baseline, day 2, day 4, day 7, day 14, day 28, and day 42 in parallel with the main study requirements. The cap for entering the sub-study will be 20 participants out of the 150 on a first-come first-serve basis.	Diagnostic test: Optional Sub-Study: Neurotransmitter Urine Test; 20 participants who opt-in to the sub-study will provide urine tests during baseline, day 2, day 4, day 7, day 14, day 28, and day 42 while simultaneously participating in the main-study.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Observe differences in sleep outcomes	The primary outcome is to observe differences in sleep outcomes between the GABA Probiotic and the placebo control group from intake and baseline to the end of the study period. This will be measured by a change in the Insomnia Sleep Index (ISI) score between placebo and study product group. Baseline period will be compared as well. On a scale of 0-28, a higher score indicates more severe insomnia, which is a worse outcome.	Participants will complete up to a 16-week study consisting of screening period, randomization and shipping period, a baseline period, and a 6-week product/placebo use period.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Evaluate the impact of GABA Probiotic on anxiety	A secondary outcome is to evaluate the impact of GABA Probiotic on anxiety. This will be measured by a change in Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) score between placebo and study product group. Baseline period will be compared as well. On a scale between 0-21, a higher Generalized Anxiety Disorder score indicates more severe anxiety, which is a worse outcome.	Participants will complete up to a 16-week study consisting of screening period, randomization and shipping period, a baseline period, and a 6-week product/placebo use period.
Evaluate the impact of GABA Probiotic on gastrointestinal symptoms	A secondary outcome is to evaluate the impact of GABA Probiotic on gastrointestinal symptoms. This will be measured by a change in Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) score between placebo and study product group. Baseline period will be compared as well. The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale uses a 7-point Likert scale, where 1 means no discomfort and 7 means severe discomfort. A higher score indicates more severe gastrointestinal symptoms, which is a worse outcome.	Participants will complete up to a 16-week study consisting of screening period, randomization and shipping period, a baseline period, and a 6-week product/placebo use period.
Evaluate the impact of GABA Probiotic on subjective sleep quality	A secondary outcome is to evaluate the impact of GABA Probiotic on subjective sleep quality. This will be measured by a change in average sleep quality score as measured by daily 10-point visual analogue rating scale (VAS) between placebo and study product group. Baseline period will be compared as well. A higher score between 0-10, will indicate poor sleep quality and a worse outcome.	Participants will complete up to a 16-week study consisting of screening period, randomization and shipping period, a baseline period, and a 6-week product/placebo use period.
Evaluate the impact of GABA Probiotic on daytime alertness	A secondary outcome is to evaluate the impact of GABA Probiotic on daytime alertness. This will be measured by a change in average daytime alertness score between placebo and study product group as measured by a daily 10-point VAS scale. Baseline period will be compared as well. A higher score between 0-10, will indicate better sleep quality and a better outcome.	Participants will complete up to a 16-week study consisting of screening period, randomization and shipping period, a baseline period, and a 6-week product/placebo use period.
Evaluate the impact of GABA Probiotic on mood	A secondary outcome is to evaluate the impact of GABA Probiotic on mood. This will be measured by a change in average mood score between placebo and study product group as measured by a daily 10-point VAS scale. Baseline period will be compared as well. A higher score between 0-10, will indicate better mood and a better outcome.	Participants will complete up to a 16-week study consisting of screening period, randomization and shipping period, a baseline period, and a 6-week product/placebo use period.
Evaluate the impact of GABA Probiotic on night sweats	A secondary outcome is to evaluate the impact of GABA Probiotic on night sweats. This will be measured by a change in average severity score of night sweats between placebo and study product group as measured by a daily 10-point VAS scale. Baseline period will be compared as well. A higher score between 0-10, will indicate severe sweating and a worse outcome.	Participants will complete up to a 16-week study consisting of screening period, randomization and shipping period, a baseline period, and a 6-week product/placebo use period.
Evaluate the impact of GABA Probiotic on quality of life	A secondary outcome is to evaluate the impact of GABA Probiotic on quality of life. This will be measured by a change in average quality of life score between placebo and study product group as measured by a daily 10-point VAS scale. Baseline period will be compared as well. A higher score between 0-10, will indicate better quality of life and a better outcome.	Participants will complete up to a 16-week study consisting of screening period, randomization and shipping period, a baseline period, and a 6-week product/placebo use period.
Evaluate the impact of GABA Probiotic on improvement in sleep	A secondary outcome is to evaluate the impact of GABA Probiotic on participants' overall subjective impression of improvement in sleep. This will be measured by a change from baseline in Patient Global Impression of Change (P-GIC) score between placebo and study product group. On a scale between 1-7, a higher score means greater improvement.	Participants will complete up to a 16-week study consisting of screening period, randomization and shipping period, a baseline period, and a 6-week product/placebo use period.

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Verb Biotics LLC
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Noah Craft, MD, People Science, Inc.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): November 4, 2024
• Primary Completion (Actual): November 22, 2024
• Study Completion (Estimated): March 1, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 15, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 15, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): March 25, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 25, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 15, 2025
• Last Verified: January 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Nervous System Diseases; Mental Disorders; Sleep Wake Disorders; Dyssomnias; Parasomnias; Physiological Effects of Drugs; Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action; Neurotransmitter Agents
• Other Study ID Numbers: PS12

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: UNDECIDED
• IPD Plan Description: There is no plan currently to share IPD with other researchers.

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No