title: An open-label, nonplacebo-controlled study on Cistanche tubulosa glycoside capsules (Memoregain(®)) for treating moderate Alzheimer's Disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Efficacy and safety of Cistanche tubulosa glycoside capsules (CTG capsule, Memoregain(®)) for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) were studied.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 18 patients with AD administered with Memoregain(®) for 48 weeks were assessed for drug efficacy by Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Blessed Behavioral Scale, and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scales.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The MMSE score was 14.78 ± 2.51 at baseline and 14.06 ± 4.26 at study completion. While changes in ADAS-cog score before and after 48 weeks of treatment were statistically insignificant, the score improved, deteriorated, and remained unchanged in 10, 7, and 1 patients, respectively. The ADL and CGI scores showed no significant difference from baseline. All adverse reactions were mild.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  After Memoregain(®) treatment, patients with AD showed no obvious aggravation of cognitive function, independent living ability, and overall conditions but were stable throughout the study. Comparison with other long-term medications with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors suggests that Memoregain(®) has a potential to be a possible treatment option for mild to moderate AD. Large trials with bigger population are required to confirm.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Neurology, Fudan University Huashan Affiliated Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Qihao
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Chao-Jih
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Young-Ming
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Yi-Ta
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Muh-Hwan
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Jiahong
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lu
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002214:Capsules / Q000627:therapeutic use; D031671:Cistanche / Q000737:chemistry*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006027:Glycosides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002214:Capsules; D006027:Glycosides; D028321:Plant Preparations
keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Cistanche tubulosa glycosides; apoptosis inhibition; clinical trial; nerve cells