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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Estrogen-Like Effect of Bazi Bushen Capsule in Ovariectomized Rats
Published on: April 7, 2023
Effect of traditional Chinese herbal Bu-Wang-San on synaptic plasticity in ovariectomised rats
Hui Li1, Shu-Ling Li, Zhi-Hong Wu
1Medical Department, Dezhou University, and Department of Traditional Chinese Integrated Western Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Shandong, PR China.
Objectives:
The neuroprotective effects of Bu-Wang-San (BWS) and its effects on spine synapse plasticity were investigated in ovariectomised rats.
Methods:
Thirty-six ovariectomised rats were divided into three groups: untreated controls, treatment with 17beta-estradiol or with BWS. After 3 months, spatial acquisition and spatial retention were measured using the Morris water maze. Swim time, swim distance, swim speed, quadrant time and platform crossing were recorded. Spine synapse density in the hippocampus was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of synaptophysin P38 (P38) mRNA was examined by real-time PCR and the protein expression of P38 was examined by Western blot.
Key Findings:
In spatial acquisition and spatial retention, the BWS group functioned significantly better than the control group. Ultrastructural observation of the hippocampus showed that BWS significantly increased spine synapse density compared with the ovariectomised group. In addition, BWS significantly increased P38 mRNA and protein expression in the hippocampus. Thus, the positive effect of BWS on learning and memory in rats was associated with increased spinal synapse density and increased P38 mRNA and protein expression in the hippocampus following menopause-induced injury.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that BWS could improve cognitive ability following menopause-induced impairment of learning and memory.