RESUMEN
Objective To determine the content of total alkaloids and their components in roots, stems, and leaves of Berberis wilsonae, and investigate the effects of their extracts and components on the improvement of learning and memory ability and anti-oxidant activity of mice. Methods In this study, the total alkaloid content of roots, stems, leaves, and roots, stem extracts and components of B. wilsonae was determined by acid dye colorimetry. The HPLC method and conditions were established for determination jateorhizine, palmatine, and berberine. The memory impairment mice model was established with scopolamine, and the root and stem extracts and components of B. wilsonae were ig administrated for 30 d. Jumping platform test and water maze test were used to detect the effect of roots and stem extracts and components on learning and memory, and the levels of MDA and T-SOD in serum was determinated by kit method. Results The results showed that the latency of the mice in step-down test was significantly prolonged (P < 0.01), and the reduction of the number of errors was also significant (P < 0.01). To a certain extent, the place navigation time in water maze was shortened (P < 0.01), and the number of errors was reduced significantly (P < 0.05). Extracts and components can significantly increase the level of T-SOD (P < 0.05, 0.01) in mice, and reduce the level of MDA significantly (P < 0.05, 0.01). Conclusion The extracts and components of B. wilsonae had a certain effect on the improvement of learning and memory ability of mice, and the anti-oxidant capacity in vivo was also improved.