Synbiotic MQU10 for adults with mild to moderate depressive symptoms
A Pilot Study on the Efficacy of a Synbiotic Formula (MQU10) in Improving Mood and Well-being in Adults With Mild to Moderate Depressive Symptoms
This test sees if taking the synbiotic supplement MQU10 can improve mood and well‑being in adults with mild to moderate depressive symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | GenieBiome Limited Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 2 sites (Hong Kong and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06905223 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot interventional study tests the synbiotic formula MQU10 in adults reporting mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Eligible participants (age ≥18) with PHQ‑9 scores of 5–14 will take MQU10 and complete self‑report mood and well‑being questionnaires while being monitored for safety. The protocol excludes people with bipolar disorder, psychosis, recent suicide attempts, active substance dependence, recent major GI surgery, or certain serious medical conditions. The study is conducted at GenieBiome Limited and Healthymind Centre in Hong Kong and will collect symptom and safety data to inform whether larger trials are warranted.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with mild to moderate depressive symptoms (PHQ‑9 score 5–14) who can read, consent, complete questionnaires, and are not on recently changed psychotropic medications are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with severe depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic illnesses, active substance dependence, recent suicide attempts, or major uncontrolled medical conditions are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this pilot.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, MQU10 could offer a well‑tolerated supplement option that helps reduce depressive symptoms and improve quality of life for some patients.
How similar studies have performed: Emerging clinical research on probiotics and synbiotics shows some promise for mood improvement via the gut–brain axis, but results have been mixed and larger definitive trials are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged 18 or above * Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score between 5 to 14 * Literate and can complete the self-report questionnaires * Able to understand the consent and sign the informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: * Current diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence; * A current or past history of bipolar disorder, manic or hypomanic episodes, schizophrenia, personality disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), intellectual disability, neurodegenerative disorders (e. g, Parkinson's disease) or organic mental disorder * Requiring immediate psychiatric care (e. g, imminently suicidal subjects) or have attempted suicide in the past 3 months * Use of antipsychotics, antidepressants or sedatives, unless on a stable dose in the last 4 weeks * History of severe organ failure, renal failure on dialysis, HIV infection * Active malignancy within 5 years * History of major surgery on the gastrointestinal tract, except cholecystectomy and appendectomy in the past 5 years * Night shift work * History of antibiotic use within 4 weeks * History of allergy to probiotics or lactose leading to a severe allergic reaction * Known pregnancy or lactating
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong and 1 other locations
- GenieBiome Limited — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Healthymind Centre — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Emily Fung, BSc
- Email: emilyfung@g-niib.com
- Phone: (+852) 55024661
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.