Combination of Walnut Peptide and Casein Peptide alleviates anxiety and improves memory in anxiety mices

Abstract

IntroductionAnxiety disorders continue to prevail as the most prevalent cluster of mental disorders following the COVID-19 pandemic, exhibiting substantial detrimental effects on individuals’ overall well-being and functioning. Even after a search spanning over a decade for novel anxiolytic compounds, none have been approved, resulting in the current anxiolytic medications being effective only for a specific subset of patients. Consequently, researchers are investigating everyday nutrients as potential alternatives to conventional medicines. Our prior study analyzed the antianxiety and memory-enhancing properties of the combination of Walnut Peptide (WP) and Casein Peptide (CP) in zebrafish.Methods and ResultsBased on this work, our current research further validates their effects in mice models exhibiting elevated anxiety levels through a combination of gavage oral administration. Our results demonstrated that at 170 + 300 mg human dose, the WP + CP combination significantly improved performances in relevant behavioral assessments related to anxiety and memory. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that the combination restores neurotransmitter dysfunction observed while monitoring Serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine (DA), and acetylcholine (ACh) levels. This supplementation also elevated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA, indicating protective effects against the neurological stresses of anxiety. Additionally, there were strong correlations among behavioral indicators, BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), and numerous neurotransmitters.ConclusionHence, our findings propose that the WP + CP combination holds promise as a treatment for anxiety disorder. Besides, supplementary applications are feasible when produced as powdered dietary supplements or added to common foods like powder, yogurt, or milk.

Research Progress on New Functions of Animal and Plant Proteins

“…Bioactive peptides extracted from egg white [60], salmon [61], bovine casein [62], soybean [63], and tilapia skin [64] have been shown to have antidepressant/anxiety activity. In addition, the compatibility of protein raw materials with other raw materials showed more obvious antidepressant/anxiety activity, and, after the combination of casein hydrolysate and γaminobutyric acid (GABA) in the anxiety/depression model mice (4:1 compatibility ratio), it was observed that the complex could increase the levels of GABA and 5-HT in the brain of mice, and the histopathological status of the CA3 region of the hippocampus of mice was also significantly improved [65].…”

Levy statistics define anxiety and depression in mice subjected to chronic stress

“…In terms of anxiety, it is characterized by increased distance traveled and prolonged rearing exploration. On the other hand, depressive-like behavior is indicated by an extended duration spent in the corners of the open field and an avoidance of crossing the central zone 10 . Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that each of these established methodologies has its own set of limitations.…”