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Effects of Moxa Smoke on Monoamine Neurotransmitters in SAMP8 Mice

Huanfang Xu1, Baixiao Zhao, Yingxue Cui

  • 1School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China ; Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : Ecam
|June 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Moxa smoke, used for its anti-aging potential, significantly increased levels of key brain neurotransmitters like serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE) in aging mice. A middle concentration for 15 minutes showed the most beneficial effects.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Aging Research
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

  • Aging is associated with declines in monoamine neurotransmitters, impacting cognitive and physiological functions.
  • Moxibustion, a therapy involving burning mugwort (moxa), is traditionally used for various ailments, including those related to aging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential anti-aging effects of moxa smoke exposure on senescence-accelerated prone (SAMP8) mice.
  • To determine the impact of different moxa smoke concentrations and exposure durations on cerebral monoamine neurotransmitter levels.

Main Methods:

  • A 2x3 factorial design was employed, exposing SAMP8 mice to varying durations (15 or 30 minutes) and concentrations (low, middle, high) of moxa smoke.
  • Cerebral levels of serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE) were quantified using ELISA.
  • SAMR1 mice served as a normal control group, while a model group received no moxa smoke exposure.

Main Results:

  • The aging mouse model group exhibited significantly lower levels of 5-HT, DA, and NE compared to normal controls.
  • Moxa smoke exposure, particularly at middle concentrations and shorter durations, significantly increased 5-HT, DA, and NE levels compared to the model group.
  • The middle concentration for 15 minutes (M1 group) yielded the highest levels of all three neurotransmitters among the tested moxa smoke conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Moxa smoke effectively increases cerebral monoamine neurotransmitter levels in aging mice.
  • The anti-aging effects are dependent on both the concentration and duration of moxa smoke exposure.
  • A middle concentration of moxa smoke for 15 minutes daily appears to be the most beneficial for enhancing neurotransmitter levels.

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