Effects of standardized ginseng extract on learning, memory and physical capabilities.
Standardized ginseng extract (G115, Pharmaton, Lugano) was administered orally at doses of 3, 10, 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg for 10 days as ten rats were used with each dose. With the "shuttle-box" method for active avoidance most pronounced effect on learning and memory was obtained by the dose of 10 mg/kg. With the "step-down" method for passive avoidance the dose of 30 mg/kg significantly improved retention. In the staircase maze training with positive (alimentary) reinforcement only the dose of 10 mg/kg significantly improved learning and memory. The dose of 100 mg/kg greatly increased the locomotor activity of mice. The results show that ginseng at appropriate doses improves learning, memory and physical capabilities. Bell-shaped dose-effect curves, reported with other nootropic drugs, were obtained.
Institute of Physiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia.
V D
VD
Petkov
A H
AH
Mosharrof
D000818:Animals; D003213:Conditioning, Psychological / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007858:Learning / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D005894:Panax; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal