Bojungikgi-Tang, a Traditional Herbal Formula, Exerts Neuroprotective Effects and Ameliorates Memory Impairments in Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Experimental Models

oleh: Hye-Sun Lim, Yu Jin Kim, Eunjin Sohn, Jiyeon Yoon, Bu-Yeo Kim, Soo-Jin Jeong

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2018-12-01

Deskripsi

Bojungikgi-tang (BJIGT; Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang in China, Hochuekkito in Japan) is a traditional Oriental herbal formula comprised of eight medicinal herbs that has long been used for the treatment of digestive disorders. A recent clinical study from South Korea reported that BJIGT-gamibang administration may be effective in treating dementia. We aimed to establish scientific evidence for the anti-dementia effects of BJIGT using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. We measured amyloid- &#946; (A&#946;) aggregation, &#946;-secretase (BACE), and antioxidant activity in a cell free system. Neuroprotective effects were assessed using CCK-8. Imprinting control region (ICR) mice were divided into the following six groups: Normal control, A&#946;-injected, A&#946;-injection + oral BJIGT gavage (200, 400, or 800 mg/kg/day), and A&#946;-injection + oral morin administration (10 mg/kg/day). Subsequently, behavioral evaluations were conducted and brain samples were collected from all the animals and assessed. BJIGT enhanced inhibition of A&#946; aggregation and BACE activity in vivo, as well as antioxidant activity in in vitro, cell-free systems. BJIGT also exerted neuroprotective effects in a hydroperoxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>)-induced damaged HT22 hippocampal cell line model. In addition, BJIGT administration significantly ameliorated cognitive impairments in A&#946;-injected mice, as assessed by the passive avoidance and Y-maze tests. Furthermore, BJIGT treatment suppressed A&#946; aggregation and expression, as well as expression of A&#946;, NeuN, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampi of A&#946;-injected mice. Overall, our results demonstrate that, with further testing in clinical populations, BJIGT may have great utility for the treatment of dementia and especially Alzheimer&#8217;s disease.