Abstract
Protecting brain health is one of the current focal points of public concern. Medicinal foods that promote brain health, such as Gastrodia elata Bl, black sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.), walnuts (Juglans regia L.), jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.), Poria cocos, and Coix seeds, possess antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, as well as modulating effects on the intestinal microbiota. This study evaluated the effects of functional biscuits formulated with these medicinal foods on the intestinal mucosal microbiota, brain function, and antioxidant activity in mice. Forty male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a blank control group (NG), low-dose functional biscuit group (GLG), medium-dose functional biscuit group (GMG), and high-dose functional biscuit group (GHG). After 42 days of continuous feeding with the functional biscuits, changes in the richness, diversity, and community structure of the intestinal mucosal microbiota were observed. Compared with the NG group, norepinephrine (NE) levels in the hippocampus significantly increased in the GLG, GMG, and GHG groups, while gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels showed no significant difference. In the GMG and GHG groups, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver significantly decreased, and acetylcholine transferase (ChAT) levels in the hippocampus significantly increased. Additionally, multiple bacterial genera were found to be correlated with the NE, ChAT, and MDA levels. These findings indicate that functional biscuits have effects on modulating the intestinal mucosal microbiota composition, enhancing brain function, and exhibiting antioxidant activity, making them a beneficial functional food for brain health.