Pu-erh tea alleviated DSS-induced colitis-mediated brain dysfunction

Colitis develops with increased brain inflammation. Pu-erh tea is considered a potential dietary intervention to improve colitis. However, it unclear whether Pu-erh tea helps alleviate colitis-mediated brain dysfunction. Here, we found that colitis triggered brain dysfunction and increased the risk of depression. Pu-erh tea improved gut-brain barrier function (increased ZO-1 and Occludin) and restored SCFAs as well as neurotransmitter release (GABA, 5-HT, and dopamine), which stemmed from the production of butyric acid (BA).