Bojungikgi-Tang, a Traditional Herbal Formula, Exerts Neuroprotective Effects and Ameliorates Memory Impairments in Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Experimental Models

Abstract

Bojungikgi-tang (BJIGT; Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang in China, Hochuekkito in Japan) is a traditional Oriental herbal formula comprised of eight medicinal herbs that has long been used for the treatment of digestive disorders. A recent clinical study from South Korea reported that BJIGT-gamibang administration may be effective in treating dementia. We aimed to establish scientific evidence for the anti-dementia effects of BJIGT using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. We measured amyloid- β (Aβ) aggregation, β-secretase (BACE), and antioxidant activity in a cell free system. Neuroprotective effects were assessed using CCK-8. Imprinting control region (ICR) mice were divided into the following six groups: Normal control, Aβ-injected, Aβ-injection + oral BJIGT gavage (200, 400, or 800 mg/kg/day), and Aβ-injection + oral morin administration (10 mg/kg/day). Subsequently, behavioral evaluations were conducted and brain samples were collected from all the animals and assessed. BJIGT enhanced inhibition of Aβ aggregation and BACE activity in vivo, as well as antioxidant activity in in vitro, cell-free systems. BJIGT also exerted neuroprotective effects in a hydroperoxide (H2O2)-induced damaged HT22 hippocampal cell line model. In addition, BJIGT administration significantly ameliorated cognitive impairments in Aβ-injected mice, as assessed by the passive avoidance and Y-maze tests. Furthermore, BJIGT treatment suppressed Aβ aggregation and expression, as well as expression of Aβ, NeuN, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampi of Aβ-injected mice. Overall, our results demonstrate that, with further testing in clinical populations, BJIGT may have great utility for the treatment of dementia and especially Alzheimer’s disease.

Annona atemoyaleaf extract ameliorates cognitive impairment in amyloid-β injected Alzheimer’s disease-like mouse model

“…We and others have used H 2 O 2 -treated HT22 cells in AD studies. 34–36 AAL extract, but not AAF or AAS, significantly prevented H 2 O 2 -induced neuronal cell death. Our findings suggest that AAL extract has protective effects in neuronal cells damaged by oxidative stress.…”

Annona atemoya Leaf Extract Improves Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment by Preventing Hippocampal Cholinergic Dysfunction and Neuronal Cell Death

“…Dementia, which is characterized by aging-related memory and cognitive dysfunction and includes Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is becoming a more common public health problem as the lifespan of humans increases in modern industrial society [1,2]. Although the number of individuals with these diagnoses is gradually increasing, no curative medical treatment for dementia has been developed or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and drugs for AD provide only symptom relief [3]. Memory deficit is the most common symptom of neurodegeneration and results from neuronal dysfunction and neuronal loss in brain tissues, particularly in the hippocampal region [4].…”

Korean Traditional Medicine in Treating Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Case Series

“…In tonifying Qi formulae, Bojungikgi-tang (Buzhongyiqi-tang in Chinese and Hochuekki-To in Japanese) was the most representative formula, and Ginseng Radix was the common herb. Bojungikgi-tang showed antidementia and neuroprotective effect in Aβ-injected mice [50] and improved the symptoms of vascular dementia in some case reports [51,52]. Also, Guibi-tang (Guipi-tang in Chinese and Kihi-to in Japanese) showed the effect on memory deficit induced by Aβ [53] and improved cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease [54] in previous studies.…”