Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide ameliorates spatial working memory impairment and intestinal barrier dysfunction in high-fat high-sucrose diet-fed mic

Introduction Long-term consumption of high-fat and high-sucrose diets breaks intestinal balance and causes a series of physical disorders in animals. This study aimed to explore the regulatory effect of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides on intestinal health and related internal physiological changes under such dietary conditions. Methods We established corresponding mouse models and carried out polysaccharide feeding intervention. Gut microbial community was detected by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and colon tissue morphology and barrier state were observed through tissue staining. Related inflammatory substances and functional indicators in hippocampal tissues were determined. Results The results showed that unreasonable dietary intake changed intestinal flora distribution, destroyed colon tissue structure and weakened intestinal barrier performance, and also raised inflammatory levels and disturbed normal substance levels in hippocampus. Conclusion These findings suggest that HEP may partially alleviate HFHSD-associated metabolic disturbances, intestinal barrier impairment, hippocampal inflammation, and spatial working memory deficits in mice. These effects were associated with alterations in gut microbial composition, intestinal barrier integrity, and hippocampal inflammatory and neurochemical markers.