KD-501, a standardized extract of Scrophularia buergeriana has both cognitive-enhancing and antioxidant activities in mice given scopolamine.

Abstract

AIM OF THE STUDY:

The cognitive-enhancing and antioxidant activities of KD-501, a standardized extract of the roots of Scrophularia buergeriana Miquel (Scrophulariceae) were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

KD-501 was orally administered to amnesic mice induced by scopolamine and we performed passive avoidance and the Morris water maze tests. To elucidate the mechanism of cognitive-enhancing activity, the effects of KD-501 on the activities of acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant enzymes within the cortex and hippocampus of mice were evaluated.

RESULTS:

Acute and prolonged oral administration of KD-501 significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced amnesia in passive avoidance test. In the Morris water maze test, acute and prolonged administration of KD-501 improved the impairment of spatial memory induced by scopolamine indicated by the formation of reference and working memories. The activity of acetylcholinesterase was significantly inhibited by KD-501 within the cortex and hippocampus. Moreover, the reduced activities or contents of glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced GSH within the cortex and hippocampus caused by scopolamine were elevated by the treatment of KD-501.

CONCLUSIONS:

Taken together, it could be postulated that KD-501 may exert its potent cognitive-enhancing activity through both anti-acetylcholinesterase and antioxidative actions.

• Authors: Eun Ju Jeong, Choong Je Ma, Ki Yong Lee, Seung Hyun Kim, Sang Hyun Sung, Young Choong Kim
• Journal: Journal of ethnopharmacology (J Ethnopharmacol) Vol. 121 Issue 1 Pg. 98-105 (Jan 12 2009) ISSN: 0378-8741 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 18996178 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antioxidants
• Nootropic Agents
• Plant Extracts
• Glutathione Peroxidase
• Superoxide Dismutase
• Glutathione Reductase
• Acetylcholinesterase

Topics

• Acetylcholinesterase (metabolism)
• Administration, Oral
• Animals
• Antioxidants (chemistry, pharmacology)
• Avoidance Learning (drug effects)
• Cerebral Cortex (drug effects, enzymology)
• Cognition (drug effects)
• Glutathione Peroxidase (metabolism)
• Glutathione Reductase (metabolism)
• Hippocampus (drug effects, enzymology)
• Male
• Maze Learning (drug effects)
• Memory (drug effects)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred ICR
• Nootropic Agents (chemistry, pharmacology)
• Plant Extracts (chemistry, pharmacology)
• Plant Roots
• Scrophularia
• Superoxide Dismutase (metabolism)