Cynomorium songaricum extract enhances novel object recognition, cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the mice via improving hippocampal environment

Dae Young Yoo,In Koo Hwang,Sung Min Nam,Jong Whi Kim,Woosuk Kim,Jung Hoon Choi,Hyo Young Jung,Yeo Sung Yoon,Moo-Ho Won,Ki-Yeon Yoo

doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-5

Abstract

BackgroundCynomorium songaricum Rupr. (CS) has been used as a medicine to treat many diseases as well as to alleviate age-related issues, such as memory impairment, dementia, and stress. In this study, we assessed the effects of Cynomorium songaricum extract (CSE) on the novel object recognition, cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the dentate gyrus of mice by using 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM). We also measured serum corticosterone levels to assess its correlation with neurogenesis and stress.MethodsMale C57BL/6 J mice were divided into 3 groups: vehicle-treated, 40 mg/kg CSE-treated, and 100 mg/kg CSE-treated. The vehicle and CSE were given to mice once a day for 3 weeks. BrdU was injected twice a day for 3 days to label newly generated cells.ResultsAdministration of CSE significantly increased the preferential exploration of new objects in these mice. In addition, administration of CSE decreased serum levels of corticosterone. BrdU-positive cells as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in the dentate gyrus were higher in the CSE-treated groups than in the vehicle-treated group. PSA-NCAM-positive neuroblasts and their well-developed tertiary dendrites were also significantly increased by the treatment of CSE. These effects were prominent at the higher dosage than at the lower dosage.ConclusionThese results suggest that administration of CSE increases cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the dentate gyrus of mice by reducing serum corticosterone levels and increasing BDNF levels in this area.

Highlights

Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. (CS) has been used as a medicine to treat many diseases as well as to alleviate age-related issues, such as memory impairment, dementia, and stress
The dentate gyrus is closely related to learning and memory [6,7], and it has been reported that hippocampal neurogenesis is associated with neurological problems, such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease [8,9]
The procedures for the care and handling of animals conformed to guidelines that are in compliance with current international laws and policies (NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, NIH Publication No 85–23, 1985, revised 1996), and the experimental protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of Seoul National University

Summary

Introduction

Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. (CS) has been used as a medicine to treat many diseases as well as to alleviate age-related issues, such as memory impairment, dementia, and stress. We assessed the effects of Cynomorium songaricum extract (CSE) on the novel object recognition, cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the dentate gyrus of mice by using 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM). The dentate gyrus is closely related to learning and memory [6,7], and it has been reported that hippocampal neurogenesis is associated with neurological problems, such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease [8,9]. Among the chemical compounds in CS, flavonoids have antioxidant effects, and certain types of flavonoids are involved in neuroprotection and hippocampal neurogenesis [17,18,19]. It has been reported that CSE modulates γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and monoamine transporters, both of which are involved in hippocampal neurogenesis [13]

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