BT-11 is effective for enhancing cognitive functions in the elderly humans.
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.
Shin
Ki Young
KY
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.
Lee
Jun-Young
JY
Won
Beom Young
BY
Jung
Hee Yeon
HY
Chang
Keun-A
KA
Koppula
Sushruta
S
Suh
Yoo-Hun
YH
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
D018697:Nootropic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts