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Beneficial effects of different Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. extracts on memory and hippocampus morphology

Yin-Ching Chan1, Fu-Chou Cheng, Ming-Fu Wang

  • 1Department of Food and Nutrition, Providence University, 200 Chung-Chi RD., Shalu, Taichung 433, Taiwan, ROC. ycchan@pu.edu.tw

Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology
|May 31, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Polygonum multiflorum (PM) extracts improved memory and reduced brain aging in mice. Ethanol extracts were more effective than water extracts, showing better cognitive function and fewer pathological changes.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Senescence-accelerated mice (SAMP8) exhibit accelerated aging and cognitive decline.
  • Oxidative stress and lipofuscin accumulation are hallmarks of brain aging.
  • Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM) is a traditional herb with potential health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of PM extracts on memory and brain histopathology in aging mice.
  • To compare the efficacy of different PM extraction methods (ethanol vs. water).

Main Methods:

  • Senescence-accelerated mice (SAMP8) were fed diets supplemented with PM extracts for 18 weeks.
  • Cognitive function was assessed using an active shuttle avoidance response test.
  • Hippocampal histopathology, lipofuscin, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were analyzed.
  • Biochemical markers including total cholesterol, triglycerides, and total thiol were measured.

Main Results:

  • PM extract supplementation improved active shuttle avoidance response in mice.
  • Ethanol PM extracts significantly reduced hippocampal vacuole numbers and lipofuscin accumulation.
  • Both ethanol and water PM extracts lowered brain MDA concentrations.
  • Ethanol extracts demonstrated higher total thiol concentrations compared to water extracts.
  • The 50% ethanol PM extract group showed reduced total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Conclusions:

  • Dietary PM extracts can mitigate brain pathological changes associated with aging.
  • PM supplementation promotes learning and memory abilities in senescence-accelerated mice.
  • Ethanol extraction methods yield more effective PM extracts for cognitive enhancement and reducing brain aging markers.

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