[Improving effect of rhizoma Gastrodiae on learning and memory of senile rats]

After giving Rhizoma Gastrodiae to aging rats continuously for 3 months, the process of their learning and memory was observed through step-down test and the content of lipid peroxides (LPO) was determined. It has been found out that Rhizoma Gastrodiae can effectively improve the ability of learning and memmory of these rats and reduce the content of LPO. The result may indicate that it is by clearing away the free-radicals that Rhizoma Gastrodiae improves the brain function.