Therapeutic Potential of Sodium Butyrate in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of in vitro and in vivo preclinical evidence without human clinical data
PubMed 41261258 · doi:10.1007/s12035-025-05428-w
What was done
This narrative review synthesized findings from in vitro and in vivo studies examining the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of sodium butyrate (NaB), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, across neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's) and psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia).
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data or effect sizes. Qualitatively, preclinical evidence indicates that NaB crosses the blood-brain barrier, modulates histone acetylation, gene expression, and gut microbiota, and exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and neurotrophic actions linked to improved motor, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes in CNS disease models.
Why it matters
The review organizes mechanistic evidence supporting sodium butyrate as a potential multi-target complementary therapy for both neurodegenerative and mental health disorders.
Limits
The review relies primarily on preclinical animal and cell models rather than human clinical trials. The abstract omits systematic search criteria, sample sizes, and quantitative findings, leaving translational efficacy and clinical dosing unverified.
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