title: BT-11 is effective for enhancing cognitive functions in the elderly humans.
abstract: Roots of Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow have been used in humans for centuries because of its sedative effects. We previously reported that BT-11, extracted from the roots of the plant, improved memory impairments in rats, enhanced memory in normal humans, and inhibited acetylcholinesterase activities in vitro. The present study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison study to investigate whether BT-11 could enhance memory in the elderly humans. We used the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet (CERAD) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). In the elderly, the total CERAD scores were much more significantly increased in the BT-11-treated group (n=28) than in the placebo-treated group (n=25). Especially, the mean scores of word list recognition, constructional recall and praxis, and modified Boston naming test were markedly improved in BT-11-treated group than in placebo-treated group. In conclusion, BT-11 could enhance some cognitive functions including memory in the elderly humans and therefore may be used as nutraceuticals that provide health benefits, including disease prevention and/or treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Creative Research Initiative Center for Alzheimer's Dementia and Neuroscience Research Institute, MRC, Seoul National University, 28 Yeongeon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ki Young
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Jun-Young
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Beom Young
authors.initials: BY
authors.lastname: Won
authors.forename: Hee Yeon
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Keun-A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Sushruta
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Koppula
authors.forename: Yoo-Hun
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Suh
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000187:drug effects; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D018697:Nootropic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts