Polygonatum sibiricum ameliorated cognitive impairment of naturally aging rats through BDNF–TrkB signaling pathway

Abstract

Cognitive dysfunction is high in the elderly population and seriously affects the quality of life. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the key neurotrophic proteins, and activation of BDNF–TrkB is considered an effective strategy to improve cognitive dysfunction during aging. In this study, administration of polygonatum sibiricum (PS) for 5 months effectively ameliorates the cognitive function, improving the Nissl body state in cortex and hippocampus in aging rats. In addition, PS can improve the synaptic structure and increase the number of synapses. Furthermore, PS reverses the reduction of synaptic plasticity‐related proteins postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD‐95) and synaptophysin during aging and up‐regulates the expression of BDNF–TrkB. In conclusion, PS improves cognitive dysfunction and enhances synaptic plasticity in naturally aged rats by regulating the BDNF–TrkB signaling pathway. PS has the potential to be developed as a novel and promising functional health food for the elderly. Practical applications Polygonatum sibiricum (PS) is a traditional Chinese medicine, which has been included in the homologous plant of medicine and food. PS has been widely used to treat lung diseases, diabetes and antiaging in clinical. Studies have confirmed that PS can accelerate the repair and regeneration of damaged neurons, reverse the changes in synaptic structure, and improve the ability of learning and memory. Our study confirmed that PS significantly improved the cognitive function in aging rats. PS has great potential to be developed as a functional food for improving neurological function and anti‐aging.

Bioactive phytochemicals and associated multifunctional health-promoting effects of Polygonati Rhizoma

“…Learning and memory processes are mainly associated with complex neuropathological and biochemical changes. Cognitive dysfunction is relatively high in the elderly population, which seriously affects the quality of life [106]. In naturally aged rats, Polygonati Rhizomacould effectively ameliorated cognitive function, improved Nissl body state in cortex and hippocampus, improved synaptic structure, increased the number of synapses, reversed the reduction of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) and synaptophysin, as well as up-regulated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) via BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway [106].…”

Erjingwan and Alzheimer’s disease: research based on network pharmacology and experimental confirmation

“…This formula comprises two herbal components: Polygonatum sibiricum Redouté (Chinesse name:Huang Jing) and Lycium chinense Mill (Chinesse name:Gou Qi), known for their benefits in kidney nourishment, essence replenishment, and aging delay ( Yang et al, 2021 ). Furthermore, contemporary pharmacological investigations have confirmed that Huang Jing and Gou Qi enhance learning and memory in AD models, reduce Aβ deposition in the brain, and mitigate aging ( Ye et al, 2015 ; Yao et al, 2018 ; Luo et al, 2022 ; Zhang et al, 2022 ). Despite EJW’s proven efficacy in AD treatment, its mechanistic basis remains elusive.…”

Exploring the potential mechanism of Polygonatum sibiricum for Alzheimer's disease based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

“…It has been shown to regulate immunity, improve memory, act as an antioxidant, delay aging, protect the cardiovascular system, lower blood sugar levels, regulate lipid levels, and exhibit anti-tumor properties. [11][12][13] Previous studies have demonstrated that Polygonatum can enhance cognitive ability in models of Alzheimer's disease 14 and mitigate β-amyloidinduced neurotoxicity. 15 However, its therapeutic mechanism has not been extensively studied, and further research is required.…”