Angong Niuhuang pill, a Chinese
materia medica preparation, can improve neurological functions after
acute ischemic stroke. Because of its inconvenient application and toxic components (Cinnabaris and
Realgar), we used transdermal enhancers to deliver
Angong Niuhuang pill by modern technology, which expanded the safe dose range and clinical indications. In this study, Angong
Niuhuang stickers administered at different point application doses (1.35, 2.7, and 5.4 g/kg) were administered to the Dazhui (DU14), Qihai (RN6) and Mingmen (DU4) of rats with chronic
cerebral ischemia, for 4 weeks. The Morris water maze was used to determine the learning and memory ability of rats.
Hematoxylin-
eosin staining and Nissl staining were used to observe neuronal damage of the cortex and hippocampal CA1 region in rats with chronic
cerebral ischemia. The middle- and high-dose point application of Angong
Niuhuang stickers attenuated neuronal damage in the cortex and hippocampal CA1 region, and improved the memory of rats with chronic
cerebral ischemia with an efficacy similar to interventions by
electroacupuncture at Dazhui (DU14), Qihai (RN6) and Mingmen (DU4). Our experimental findings indicate that point application with Angong
Niuhuang stickers can improve cognitive function after chronic
cerebral ischemia in rats and is neuroprotective with an equivalent efficacy to acupuncture.