RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of total fiavonoids from Chrysanthemun morifolium (TFCM) on learning and memory, and cholinergic system function in aging mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The aging mice model was established by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose. ICR mice were divided into five groups (n=10): contrA group, model group, and TFCM groups. Mice in TFCM groups were given TFCM (50,100 or 150 mg/kg) by gastric irrigation once a day. Learning and memory ability were evaluated by Morris water maze test. The MDA content, SOD and Ach E activity were also measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with control group, learning and memory ability declined in the D-galactose-induced aging mice; meanwhile MDA content and AchE activity increased, SOD activity decreased. Treatment with TFCM (100, 150 mg/kg) ameliorated the decrease in learning and memory ability of aging mice. Compared with model group, TFCM (100, 150 mg/kg) could also decrease MDA content and Ach E activity, and increase SOD activity in aging mice.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TFCM may improve the learning and memory ability of aging mice. The mechanism is involved in its antioxidative characteristic and improvement of central cholinergic system function.</p>