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Walnut Peptide KG-7 Alleviates Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits and Enhances Paracellular Transport via Tight
Mengqi Li1, Junchao Wang2, Yutong She1
1College of Food and Biological Engineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou 221018, China.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 13, 2026
Summary
Walnut peptide KG-7 significantly improves memory in mice by protecting brain cells and enhancing brain delivery. It is absorbed effectively by reducing intestinal efflux and activating the paracellular pathway.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Food-derived bioactive peptides offer therapeutic potential.
- Walnut peptide KG-7 exhibits high antioxidant capacity.
- Scopolamine induces memory deficits, serving as a model for cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of walnut peptide KG-7 on scopolamine-induced memory deficits in mice.
- To investigate the intestinal absorption mechanisms of KG-7.
- To explore the potential of KG-7 as a cognitive enhancer.
Main Methods:
- Morris water maze tests for behavioral analysis.
- Molecular biochemistry assays to assess cholinergic function and neuronal damage.
- Fluorescence imaging for brain delivery tracking.
- Immunohistochemistry and Western blot to analyze intestinal absorption pathways and transporter expression.
Main Results:
- KG-7 significantly improved memory performance in mice.
- KG-7 restored cholinergic function by modulating acetylcholinesterase and acetylcholine levels.
- KG-7 alleviated neuronal damage by downregulating Hes1.
- KG-7 demonstrated brain delivery, with peak accumulation at 8 hours.
- KG-7 enhanced intestinal absorption by reducing P-gp efflux and activating the paracellular pathway via modulation of tight junction proteins and transporters.
Conclusions:
- Walnut peptide KG-7 effectively ameliorates cognitive deficits.
- KG-7 possesses favorable brain delivery and intestinal absorption characteristics.
- These findings support the development of walnut peptides for memory enhancement and cognitive health.
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