Red Mold Rice Promoted Antioxidase Activity against Oxidative Injury and Improved the Memory Ability of Zinc-Deficient Rats

Abstract

Zn deficiency is a common disease leading to memory impairment with increasing age. This study evaluated the protection effects of red mold rice (RMR) administration and Zn supplementation against memory and learning ability impairments from oxidative stress caused by Zn deficiency. Rats (4 weeks old) were induced to be Zn deficiency by a Zn-deficient diet for 12 weeks. After that, rats were administered Zn, 1xRMR, 5xRMR, and various dosages of RMR plus Zn, respectively. Decreases of antioxidant enzyme activities in the hippocampus and cortex were observed, and the levels of Ca, Fe, and Mg were increased in the hippocampus and cortex of Zn-deficient rats, leading to memory and learning ability injury. However, the administration of RMR (1- or 5-fold dosage) and with or without Zn significantly improved the antioxidase and neural activity to maintain cortex and hippocampus functions. This study demonstrates that RMR is a possible functional food for the prevention or cure of neural injury associated with Zn deficiency.

Ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) improves hyperglycaemia and memory impairments in a Wistar rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes

“…The passive avoidance task was carried out from day 29 to day 31 according to Lee et al The apparatus consisted of light and dark chambers. A door was set for separation of the two chambers.…”

Fagopyrum tataricum(Buckwheat) Improved High-Glucose-Induced Insulin Resistance in Mouse Hepatocytes and Diabetes in Fructose-Rich Diet-Induced Mice

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A Review of Fermented Foods with Beneficial Effects on Brain and Cognitive Function

“…A further study reported that RMR extract treatment suppressed cholesterol-raised β-secretase activity and increased the neuroprotective soluble amyloid precursor protein (APP) R-fragment secretion in vitro and in vivo (33). Other studies revealed that RMR administration has a protective effect in a Zn-deficiency model (36) and Parkinson’s disease model (37). The administration of RMR significantly ameliorated behavioral dysfunction and improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes including glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, SOD, and catalase, which all lead to markedly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.…”