Abstract:
In this study, the sleep-improving effect of a composite containing bovine casein peptide powder, wild jujube kernel, lily and γ-aminobutyric acid was investigated. The sleep-improving effects of the composite and each functional ingredient in the composite were studied using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model, and then an in vivo mouse model was used to evaluate the sleep-improving effect of the composite and the neurotransmitter contents in the hypothalamus of the mice were determined. Compared with the blank group, the sleeping time of C. elegans in the composite group prolonged significantly, and all the indexes were superior to those subjected to the treatment with the single components in the composite. The mice in the low-, medium,- and high-dose groups of the composite experienced an increase in sleep latency (by 18.18%, 20.60%, and 25.60%, respectively), increase in the sleep duration (by 34.54%, 45.24% and 47.29%, respectively), and increase in the sleep rate (by 25.00%, 33.33% and 33.33%, respectively). In the open field experiment, the total distance of exercise in the composite group decreased by 15.06%, 13.96% and 9.58%, respectively, and the number of entering the central area increased by 138.10%, 114.29% and 114.29%, respectively, the stay duration in the central area increased by 142.98%, 176.89%, 114.25%, respectively, and the total rest time increased by 28.13%, 44.42% and 55.40%, respectively. Compared with the blank group, the contents of GABA and 5-HT in the hypothalamus of mice in the low-, medium- and high-dose composite groups significantly increased by 34.74%, 66.45% and 76.99%, and 32.67%, 50.34% and 79.72%, respectively, whilst the Glu content decreased significantly (by 33.41%, 34.83%, and 39.55%, respectively). In summary, the composite of bovine casein peptide powder, wild jujube kernel, lily and γ-aminobutyric acid can improve sleep by regulating the level of neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus. The results provide theoretical reference for the development of new food resources.