The Effects of Chicory Root-derived Prebiotic on Mood and Stress Responsiveness in Healthy Adults With Mild to Moderate Levels of Stress and Anxiety

Launched by BENEO-INSTITUTE · Jun 30, 2025

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ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at whether a special type of fiber made from chicory root can help improve mood and reduce stress in healthy adults who experience mild to moderate levels of stress and anxiety. Researchers are interested in this fiber because it may support mental health by improving the connection between the gut and the brain, an area scientists are learning more about. Chicory root fiber is already known to help with blood sugar control and digestion, and this study will explore its potential benefits for mental well-being in a larger group of people.

To join the study, participants should be adults between 18 and 70 years old who are generally healthy but experiencing some mild to moderate stress and anxiety. People with certain health conditions, like serious gut problems, recent antibiotic use, or current psychiatric disorders, will not be eligible. Participants will be asked to follow study instructions closely and give their written consent before joining. While the study is not yet recruiting, those interested can expect to be part of research that aims to find new, natural ways to support mental health through diet.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Volunteer is healthy at the time of screening.
• • 2. TICS Screening Scale of Chronic Stress (SSCS) score ≥ 6 (Schulz et al., 2004).
• • 3. GAD total score ≥ 5 and ≤ 14 indicating mild to moderate anxiety (Spitzer et al., 2006).
• • 4. Male or female aged ≥18 and ≤ 70 years at the time of screening.
• • 5. Body-Mass-Index (BMI) ≥ 18.5 and ≤ 29.9 kg/m2.
• • 6. Volunteer is able and willing to comply with the study instructions.
• • 7. Volunteer is suitable for participation in the study according to the investigator/study personnel.
• • 8. Voluntary, written informed consent to participate in the study.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. No command of local language.
• • 2. Previously or currently diagnosed neurological or psychiatric disorders.
• • 3. Previous history of renal, hepatic, cardiovascular disease or clinically significant diabetes.
• • 4. Gastrointestinal disorders including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other conditions that might affect the gut environment.
• • 5. Contraindication or allergy to any substance in the verum or placebo product incl. lactose or fructose intolerance.
• • 6. Use of drugs (e.g., antibiotics, aspirin, proton pump inhibitors) influencing gastrointestinal function in the previous 8 weeks before the beginning of intervention.
• • 7. Use of laxatives and labelled pre-and probiotics in the previous 4 weeks before the beginning of intervention.
• • 8. Participation in another study with any investigational product within 30 days of screening or during the study.
• • 9. History of drug (recreational) or alcohol abuse.
• • 10. Use of anti-depressants medication including selective serotonin receptor inhibitors or amitriptyline for 3 months prior to screening.
• • 11. Bowel preparation for investigative procedures in the 4 weeks prior to screening.
• • 12. Surgical resection of any part of the bowel.
• • 13. Pregnant or lactating.
• • 14. Regular smoking.
• • 15. Previous Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) participation.