Extract of Yi Zhi Fang improves learning and memory behaviours of mice and its possible mechanisms.
The effects of Yi Zhi Fang extract (YZF) on learning and memory performances were investigated in mice using passive avoidance tasks. Oral administration of YZF improved learning and memory disorders induced by chemicals in both normal and senile mice. The acetylcholine (Ach) concentration, the muscarinic Ach receptors (M-R) and the monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) activities were analysed by a radioimmunoassay, a radioligand receptor binding assay and UV spectrophotometry, respectively, using senile decapitated mice. The oral administration of YZF to the senile mice increased the M-R concentration, while the concentration of Ach and the activity of MAO-B decreased in senile mice brains. From these results it is evident that YZF promotes the function of the central cholinergic system and inhibits the activity of MAO-B in mice brains resulting in an enhancement of learning and memory.
Department of Pharmacognosy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-0054, Japan.
Shao-jie
SJ
Shan
Qiu-ping
QP
Xu
Yukihiro
Y
Shoyama
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000032:analysis; D000375:Aging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D000438:Alcohols / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology; D003513:Cycloheximide / Q000494:pharmacology; D003704:Dementia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology; D007858:Learning / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D051379:Mice; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic / Q000032:analysis; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology
D000438:Alcohols; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives; D003513:Cycloheximide; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase; D000109:Acetylcholine; C012183:anisodine