[Studies on improving the ability of learning and memories of yangshoudan].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the effects of Yangshoudan(YSD) on the ability of learning and memories in experimental animals.


METHODS
The tests of darkness-avoidance response in normal young mice and rats, aged mice, as well as in model mice with dysmnesia induced by anisodine, model rats with dysmnesia induced by scopolamine hydrobromide and with orientation disturbance induced by pentobarbital sodium.


RESULTS
In normal young mice and rats, the error times in five minutes in learning and memories tests was reduced (P < 0.01-0.05) by YSD, while in dysmnesia groups the error times in five minutes also reduced (P < 0.01-0.05) and the incubation period of memories could be shortened by YSD. In orientation disturbance mice, the averages and percentages of correct response times increased by YSD.


CONCLUSIONS
YSD could improve the memory ability both in normal and dysmnesia which either induced by drugs or due to age. This indicates primarily that YSD has the effects of improving the ability of learning and memories and of antidementia.
D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D051379:Mice; D009949:Orientation / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012601:Scopolamine; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives