Strain specific stress-modulating effects of candidate probiotics: a systematic screening in a mouse model of chronic restraint stress.

•The impact of probiotics on gut-brain-axis signaling is species- and strain-specific.•Chronic restraint is a suitable model for detecting efficacy of candidate probiotics.•Lpc-37, LP12407 and LP12418 improved stress-related deficits in learning and memory.•Lpc-37, LP12407 and LP12418 improved stress-related symptoms of anxiety and depression.•Large-scale pre-clinical screening is essential to discover strain-specific efficacy.