Effects of microwave-heated Ginkgo Semen on learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 transgenic mice with Alzheimer's disease / 中成药

ABSTRACT

AIM To investigate microwave-heated Ginkgo Semen's effects on learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 transgenic mice with Alzheimer's disease (AD).METHODS Firstly,the effects on chemical compositions of Ginkgo Semen due to variation in processing methods (baking,boiling and microwave-heating) were compared.Then,four-month mice were given eight months' special feed containing either raw Ginkgo Semen powders or microwave cooked Ginkgo Semen powders.At the end of the experiment,the memory and learning abilities of mice were assayed by open field test,novel object recognition test and morris water maze test,sequentially.And the levels of superoxide dismutase (T-SOD),catalase (CAT),Na+/K+ ATPase and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum and brain tissue of mice were measured,and a further histopathology examination on hippocampus tissues was performed as well.RESULTS Microwave-heating method was determined to be the optimum processing technology for Ginkgo Semen.Compared with the model group,the groups treated with microwave cooked Ginkgo Semen had increased T-SOD,CAT,Na +/K + ATPase and decreased MDA content,but the groups treated with raw Ginkgo Semen displayed no significant differences.CONCLUSION Unlike raw Ginkgo Semen,Ginkgo Semen processed by microwave heating may possess an antioxidative activity and an energy metabolism enhancement ability contributing to significant amelioration of AD mice's impaired learning and memory abilities.