Soy protein increases cognitive level in mice by modifying hippocampal nerve growth, oxidative stress, and intestinal microbiota.

Background: Three kinds of diet containing chicken protein isolate (CPI), bovine milk protein isolate (BMPI), and soy protein isolate (SPI), respectively, were designed to investigate the influences of proteins on cognitive levels and related mechanisms in mice.

Results: A Morris water maze (MWM) test showed that the SPI group had a higher cognitive level than the BMPI group. Immunohistochemical staining and chemical analysis of the hippocampus showed that the SPI group had higher synaptophysin expression, doublecortin-positive cell proportion, superoxide dismutase activity, and lower malondialdehyde content compared with the BMPI group.

Evaluation of the Antidepressant Effect of the Functional Beverage Containing Active Peptides, Menthol and Eleutheroside and Investigation of Its Mechanism of Action in Mice.

Research Background: Depression has become a global threat to human health. In order to solve it, researchers have conducted multi-faceted studies including diet. Many food-derived bioactive substances have shown antidepressant effects.