Chaihu Shugan San ameliorated cognitive deficits through regulating gut microbiota in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8

Abstract

Background: Traditional Chinese medicines exhibit promising preventive effects on Alzheimer’s disease. Chaihu Shugan San (CSS) is a well-known traditional herbal formula whose several kinds of ingredients have the potential of ameliorating Alzheimer’s disease. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of CSS on the microbiota–gut–brain axis and cognitive deficits of senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice as well as investigate the underlying mechanisms.Methods: Thirty 5-month-old SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into the model group (SAMP8), CSS low-dose treatment group (CSSL), and CSS high-dose treatment group (CSSH). Ten SAMR1 mice were used as the normal control, and ten SAMP8 mice treated with donepezil were used as the positive control of cognitive function. CSS was orally administrated to SAMP8 mice for 8 weeks. The Morris water maze test was used to evaluate cognitive function. Histological staining was used to observe neuronal injury and Aβ deposition. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the synaptic ultrastructure. 16S rRNA gene analysis was performed to measure the changes in intestinal microbiota.Results: The results showed that CSS significantly improved the learning function and memory deficits of aged SAMP8 mice in the Morris water maze examination. CSS ameliorated neuronal injury, synaptic injuries, and Aβ deposition in the brain of SAMP8 mice. In addition, CSS also significantly improved microbiota composition in terms of elevating Lactobacillus reuteri and decreasing Staphylococcus xylosus in the feces of aged SAMP8 mice.Conclusion: These findings suggested that CSS might have a preventive potential for cognitive deficits in aging through regulating gut microbiota, which paved the way for the application of CSS for prevention and therapeutic purposes for mild cognitive impairment as well as Alzheimer’s disease.

Decoding the role of gut microbiota in Alzheimer’s pathogenesis and envisioning future therapeutic avenues

“…Chaihu-Shugan San (CSS), a well-known traditional herbal formula with liver-soothing and depression-relieving properties, demonstrates potential in preventing and treating AD. CSS is believed to modulate intestinal inflammation, gut microbiota composition, induce NF-κB-mediated BDNF expression, and improve neuronal damage, synaptic impairment, and Aβ deposition in the mouse brain, contributing to its therapeutic mechanisms ( Han et al, 2021 ; Li et al, 2023a ).…”

Comparative Study of the Neuroprotective Effect of Sihogyeji-tang, Sihosogan-tang, and Sihocheonggan-tang on an MPTP-Induced Parkinson’s Disease Mouse Model

“…, 시호청간탕은 시호ㆍ치자ㆍ황금ㆍ인삼ㆍ천궁ㆍ 청피ㆍ연교ㆍ길경ㆍ감초로 구성되어 있으며 소간해울(疏肝解鬱), 청열해독(淸熱解毒)의 효능이 있는 처방이다 10) . 이 세 처방과 관련 된 선행연구를 살펴보면 시호계지탕은 위점막 손상을 억제하고 11) , 시호소간탕은 불안 및 우울증을 치료하고 12) 인지 장애를 개선하는 효과가 있으며 13) , 시호청간탕은 아토피성 피부염을 치료한다는 연 구 결과가 존재하지만…”