Preparation of total saponins from Panax japonicus and their protective effects on learning and memory ability of aging mice

Abstract

This study aimed to prepare the total saponins from Panax japonicus (TSPJ), and investigate their protective effects on learning and memory ability of aging mice induced by D-galactose. The TSPJ product with content of 81.03% was obtained. Fifty mice were randomly divided into control, model, and low-, middle- and high-dose TSPJ groups. The D-galactose-induced aging model was established in model, and low-, middle- and high-dose TSPJ groups. Then, the low-, middle- and high-dose TSPJ groups were treated with 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg TSPJ by gavage, respectively, for 8 weeks. At the end of treatment, compared with model group, in 40 and 80 mg/kg TSPJ groups the brain aging symptoms were obviously moderated, the step-down latency was increased, the frequency of mistake was decreased, the brain index was increased, the brain tissue SOD and GSH-Px levels were increased, the brain tissue MDA level was decreased, and the brain tissue Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATPase activities were increased. In conclusion, TSPJ can reduce the brain tissue oxidative stress injury and protect the cell membrane transport capacity, thus improving the learning and memory ability in aging mice.

Keywords:
total saponins; Panax japonicus ; memory; aging; mice