Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Assessment of Memory Function in Pilocarpine-induced Epileptic Mice
Published on: June 4, 2020
Functional Drink Containing the Extracts of Purple Corn Cob and Pandan Leaves, the Novel Cognitive Enhancer,
Jintanaporn Wattanathorn1,2, Woranan Kirisattayakul2,3, Bhalang Suriharn4
11 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen, Thailand .
Abstract:
Due to requirement of novel memory enhancer for menopausal women, this study aimed to determine safety and effect of the functional drink containing the extracts of purple corn cob and pandan leaves (PCP) on memory and brain changes in experimental menopause induced by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX). Acute toxicity of PCP was carried out in female Wistar rats. The results showed that LD50 was more than 2000 mg/kg BW. To determine the cognitive enhancing effect of PCP, OVX rats were orally treated with PCP at the doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg BW for 28 days. The spatial memory was assessed every 7 days throughout the study period. At the end of the study, oxidative stress status, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity, neuronal density, and extracellular signal regulated protein kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) signaling in hippocampus were measured. The improved spatial memory, ERK1/2 expression, and neuron density in dentate gyrus of hippocampus were observed in PCP-treated rats. In addition, a reduction of AChE activity was also observed. Unfortunately, no improved oxidative stress status was observed. Taken altogether, PCP exerts the memory-enhancing effect partly through the suppression of AChE and the increase in ERK signaling in the hippocampus.
Related Concept Videos
Protein Kinases and Phosphatases
Protein kinases
Many proteins in the cell are regulated by phosphorylation, the addition of a phosphate group. A family of enzymes called kinases...
Increasing Function
Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
Regulated Protein Degradation
Protein degradation plays two important roles in the cells. It helps to protect cells from misfolded or damaged proteins before they lead to a...
Mechanical Protein Functions
Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

