A novel compound in walnuts, defined as 3-hydroxy-4-iminobutyric acid, can enhance sleep duration by disturbing motor activity and adjusting certain neurotransmitters in the brain of mice.
Sleep Walnut
The research examined the sedative and hypnotic elements of walnuts, particularly focusing on a newly discovered compound, 3-hydroxy-4-iminobutyric acid. Through careful analysis, the scientists discovered that this compound can disrupt motor activity and increase sleep duration by modulating neurotransmitters in the brain and serum of mice. The team used metabolomics to study the potential molecular mechanisms underpinning these effects, exploring the serum, various brain regions, and the gut microbiota.
In the assessment of results, it was found that 3-hydroxy-4-iminobutyric acid can alter the metabolism within the basal ganglia. Of particular interest is the compound’s potential influence on gut microbiota. Accordingly, the research expands our understanding by presenting 3-hydroxy-4-iminobutyric acid as a novel natural product that can promote sleep in mice, offering fresh insights related to the microbiota-gut-brain axis in connection to enhancing sleep.
View Article