Abstract:

Objective: To study the effect of mixed Schisandra-Epimedium extract (MSEE) on the learning and memory disorder induced by scopolamine in the mice,and to provide a theoreitical basis for the development of health food of improving auxiliary memory function.Methods: MSEE was extracted by heating reflux extraction. ICR mice were divided into control group (intragastrical administration of water and intraperitoneal saline injection),model group (intragastrical administration of water and intraperitoneal scopolamine injection) and 150,300,600 mg·kg^-1 MSEE groups(intragastrical administration of MSEE and intraperitoneal scopolamine injection).After continuously intragastric administration of MSEE for 30 d,Morris water maze test,step-through test, and step-down test were respectively carried out to observe the effects of MSEE on the learning and memory abilities of the mice.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and clorimetric detection were respectively used to detect the levels of acetylcholine (ACh) and the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brain tissue of the mice in various groups.Results: The results of step-through test and step-down test showed that the latency of mice in 600 mg·kg^-1 MSEE group was significantly prolonged compared with model group (P<0.05),and the error times of mice in 150,300, and 600 mg·kg^-1 MSEE groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05). In Morris water maze test,the latencies of mice in 300 and 600 mg·kg^-1 MSEE groups were significantly shortened compared with model group(P<0.05),and the times crossing the platform and the effective areas in the space were increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group,the ACh levels in brain tissue of the mice in 150,300, and 600 mg·kg^-1 MSEE groups were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01) and the AchE activities were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion: MSEE can improve the learning and memory abilities of the mice,and its effect may be related to increasing the ACh level.

Key words: Schisandra chinensis Baill, Epimedium davidii Franch, learning and memory, mice