CCL01, a novel formulation composed of Cuscuta seeds and Lactobacillus paracasei NK112, enhances memory function via nerve growth factor-mediated neurogenesis

Memory decline occurs due to various factors, including stress, depression, and aging, and lowers the quality of life. Several nutritional supplements and probiotics have been used to enhance memory function, and efforts have been made to develop mixed supplements with maximized efficacy. In this study, we aimed to examine whether a novel formulation composed of Cuscuta seeds and Lactobacillus paracasei NK112, CCL01, enhances memory function and induces neurogenesis via nerve growth factor (NGF) induction. Firstly, we orally administered CCL01 to normal mice and assessed their memory function 4 weeks after the first administration by performing a step-through passive avoidance test. We found that CCL01 at 100 mg kg-1 treatment enhanced the fear-based memory function. By analyzing the expression of Ki-67 and doublecortin, which are the markers of proliferating cells and immature neurons, respectively, we observed that CCL01 induced neuronal proliferation and differentiation in the hippocampus of the mice. Additionally, we found that the expression of synaptic markers increased in the hippocampus of CCL01-treated mice. We measured the NGF expression in the supernatant of C6 cells after CCL01 treatment and found that CCL01 increased NGF release. Furthermore, treatment of CCL01-conditioned glial media on N2a cells increased neuronal differentiation via the TrkA/ERK/CREB signaling pathway and neurotrophic factor expression. Moreover, when CCL01 was administered and scopolamine was injected, CCL01 ameliorated memory decline. These results suggest that CCL01 is an effective enhancer of memory function and can be applied to various age groups requiring memory improvement.