Synergistic Neuroprotective Effect of Schisandra chinensis and Ribes fasciculatum on Neuronal Cell Death and Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Rats

Abstract

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered as a transitional stage between aging and Alzheimer’s disease. In the present study, we examined the protective effect of Schisandra chinensis (SC) and Ribes fasciculatum (RF) on neuronal cell death in vitro and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in Sprague Dawley® rats in vivo. A mixture of SC and RF extracts (SC+RF) significantly protected against hydrogen peroxide-induced PC12 neuronal cell death. The neuroprotective effect of SC+RF on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats was evaluated using the passive avoidance test and the Morris water maze test. In the passive avoidance test, SC+RF-treated rats showed an increased latency to escape, compared to the scopolamine-treated rats. Moreover, SC+RF treatment significantly reduced escape latency in water maze test, compared to treatment with scopolamine alone. To verify the long-term memory, we performed probe test of water maze test. As a result, rat treated with SC+RF spent more time in the target quadrant. Consistent with enhancement of memory function, the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its downstream molecules (pERK, pATK, and pCREB) are increased in SC+RF treatment in hippocampal area compared with scopolamine treated group. These results suggest that a mixture of SC and RF extracts may be a good therapeutic candidate for preventing mild cognitive impairment.

Antiadipogenic Effects of Mixtures of Cornus officinalis and Ribes fasciculatum Extracts on 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and High-Fat Diet-Induced Mice

“…Peaks corresponding to 4-hydroxybenzoic acid were confirmed by comparison to retention times of standard compounds. In a previous study, 4-hydroxybenzoic identified in ethanol extracts of RF exhibited neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects [36,37]. Morroniside, 4-hydroxybenzoic acids and loganin in a combination of CO and RF (7:3) were eluted at retention times of 13.6, 24.0 and 18.0 min, respectively, under our analytical conditions ( Figure 5C).…”

Potential Herb–Drug Interactions in the Management of Age-Related Cognitive Dysfunction

“…On the other end, β-amyloid is a component of amyloid plaques characteristic of Alzheimer’s, and T-tau and P-tau proteins are over phosphorylated in neurodegenerative disorders [ 50 ]. Inhibitors of aggregation/destruction of β-amyloid plaques or protection of T-tau and P-tau proteins (e.g., Alpinia oxyphylla [ 61 ]) were considered within the neuroprotective group, together with plants which reportedly prevent neuronal death (e.g., Schisandra chinensis [ 174 ]).…”

<p>Traditional Chinese Medicine Jiuwei Zhenxin Granules in Treating Depression: An Overview</p>

“…The main function of SC is to nourish the lungs and kidneys and remove dampness. [44][45][46] The medicinal value of SC is mainly reflected in antifatigue properties, prevention of mild cognitive impairment, 47,48 enhanced immunity, 49 anticancer effects, 45 amelioration and prevention of Parkinson's disease (PD), 50 amelioration of age-related muscle wasting, 51 and anti-atherosclerotic properties. 52 Schisandrin is the main effective component of SC, which was previously considered to be able to treat AD; 53 it has antitumor effects, 54 provides protection against central ischemia recurrence, 55 and treats neurodegenerative disease.…”