Queen bee larva consumption improves sleep disorder and regulates gut microbiota in mice with PCPA-induced insomnia

Untreated insomnia can harm physical and psychological health, ultimately affecting quality of life. This study aims to explore the beneficial effects of queen bee larva freeze-dried powder (QBLF) on p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA)-induced insomnia and related neurotransmitter disorders and determine whether this improvement is related to the gut microbiota. The results showed that the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in the hypothalamus and serum were significantly decreased in the PCPA-induced insomnia group compared with the control group. QBLF treatment improved insomnia symptoms and significantly regulated GABA and 5-HT levels. Furthermore, QBLF modulated the gut microbiota composition and reversed insomnia-induced gut microbiota alterations, such as reduced relative abundances of Desulfovibrio, Alistipes and Lachnospiraceae sp. NK4A136. Specifically, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was significantly increased. Lactobacillus was positively correlated with insomnia-related neurotransmitter concentrations. Desulfovibrio, Alistipes and Lachnospiraceae sp. NK4A136 showed an opposite trend. Moreover, predictive function analysis revealed that QBLF modulated dysfunction due to PCPA-induced insomnia, such as significantly reduced gene expression related to the metabolism of cofactors and vitamins. Therefore, QBLF can ameliorate PCPA-induced insomnia and insomnia-related neurotransmitter disorders. Furthermore, the insomnia ameliorating effect of QBLF may relate to the regulation of the composition and structure of the gut microbiota in insomniac mice.