Figure 2.

Potential action mechanism of chungkookjang in glucose metabolism and memory function. ANS, autonomous nervous system; HPA, hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal; SCFA, short-chain fatty acids. Chungkookjang components directly influence glucose metabolism in the liver and brain, and they also indirectly affect them through the gut–microbiome–liver–brain axis. The improvement of glucose metabolism in the hippocampus reduces amyloid-b deposition, which decreases memory impairment. Thus, chungkookjang intake (about 20–30 g/day) protects against and partially alleviates type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and post-stroke symptoms.