Effect of Scutellaria Baicalensis on Scopolamine-Induced Memory and Cognitive Impairment in Rats

Abstract

 Abstract—Many studies have shown that the steamed root of Polygala tenuifolia (PTW) is effective for improving memory. The purpose of this study is to examine whether PTW extracts improved memory defects caused by β-amyloid (AMY) in the rats. The effects of PTW on the acetylcholinergic system in the hippocampus were also investigated. Male rats were administered daily of PTW. We conducted the Morris water maze (MWM) test as behavioral assessments. Changes in cholinergic system reactivity were also examined by measuring the immunoreactive neurons of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the hippocampus. Daily administration of PTW reduced the escape latency for finding the platform in the MWM. The administration of PTW significantly alleviated memory-associated decreases. The results demonstrated that PTW had a significants neuroprotective effect caused by β-amyloid in rats. These results suggest that PTW may be useful for improving cognitive functioning by stimulating cholinergic enzyme activities and alleviating inflammatory responses. Index Terms—β-amyloid, memory, Polygala tenuifolia, memory.