Toxicity Profiles of Kleeb Bua Daeng Formula, a Traditional Thai Medicine, and Its Protective Effects on Memory Impairment in Animals

Abstract

Kleeb Bua Daeng (KBD) formula has long been used in Thailand as a traditional herbal medicine for promoting brain health. Our recent reports illustrated that KBD demonstrates multiple modes of action against several targets in the pathological cascade of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The main purpose of the present study was to determine the protective effect and mechanism of KBD in amyloid beta (Aβ)-induced AD rats and its toxicity profiles. Pretreatment with the KBD formula for 14 days significantly improved the short- and long-term memory performance of Aβ-induced AD rats as assessed by the Morris Water Maze (MWM) and object-recognition tests. KBD treatment increased the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase; reduced the malondialdehyde content, and; decreased the acetylcholinesterase activity in the rat brain. An acute toxicity test revealed that the maximum dose of 2000 mg/kg did not cause any mortality or symptoms of toxicity. An oral, subchronic toxicity assessment of KBD at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight/day for 90 days showed no adverse effects on behavior, mortality, hematology, or serum biochemistry. Our investigations indicate that KBD is a nontoxic traditional medicine with good potential for the prevention and treatment of AD.

Herbal medicines in Alzheimer’s disease and the involvement of gut microbiota

“…The Kleeb Bua Daeng formula (KBD), a Thai traditional medicine with multi-target activities could inhibit activities of the AChE, Aβ aggregation, the expression of pro-apoptotic factors in an in vitro study ( Chheng et al, 2020 )and show protective effects on memory impairment in animals ( Waiwut et al, 2022 ). A phase I randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial provided clinical evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of the Kleeb Bua Daeng formula in mild cognitive impairment patients by demonstrating the improved cognitive performance compared to the baseline though there was no significant difference between KBD and the placebo groups ( Musigavong et al, 2022 ).…”