**7.3 Probiotics**

Probiotics maintain the intestinal barrier by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins, they can even reduce toxic substance absorption in the gut and enhance angiogenic activities in the central nervous system (CNS) [45, 82]. Lactobacillus plantarum (*L. plantarum*) ATCC8014 was studied to understand how it attenuates ACR induced toxicity in rats. This strain of Lactic acid bacteria is chosen because it has a high absorption rate of ACR and antioxidant capacity [45]. At high doses, *L. plantarum* ATCC8014 increased the body's weight growth in ACR-treated rats. Administration of *L. plantarum* ATCC8014 improved nerve tissue damage and elevated the antioxidant capacity of nerve tissue by preventing attacks because of its effective capacity to scavenge and reduce free radicals. Similarly, probiotic *Enterococcus faecium* NCIM 5593 showed improved protection against the neurodegenerative changes due to oxidative damage in adult mice [83]. Additionally, it is important to consider the effect of prebiotics while considering attenuating properties of probiotics. Prebiotics are fibre-rich foods that promote the growth of probiotic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. The study by [84] explored the effects of oral prebiotic supplements containing fructo- and xylo-oligosaccharides on pregnant rats exposed to ACR. It was found that AChE activity was restored and DA levels increased in the cortex of rats after administering prebiotics. Also, spirulina is a prebiotic obtained from the blue-green algae, *Arthrospira platensis.* It is the dried biomass of this cyanobacterium. It contains many beneficial compounds like proteins, vitamins, phytochemicals, etc. [85]. Spirulina is also known for its antioxidant properties owing to the presence of compounds like C-phycocyanin, and ß-carotene [86]. The study by [86] showed that spirulina was effective in ameliorating the toxicity induced by ACR in rats in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of spirulina enhanced the antioxidant activity and reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the serum. This shows the enormous scope of studies with regard to probiotics and prebiotics and their ability to attenuate ACR-induced neurotoxicity. Further studies are required to understand the protective role of probiotics and prebiotics.
