Neuroprotective effect of Zhen Tian Wan on pial strip-induced cognitive impairments and anti-oxidant status in rats

Abstract

Zhen Tian Wan (ZTW), decoction consisting of seven herbs including Rhizoma ligustici,Radix Angelicae sinensis, Ledebouriella sesloides, Radix Angelica pubescentis, Flos carthami, Ramulus uncariae cumuncis and Radix Angelica dahuricae, has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) , as treatment for headaches, migraine, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and in soothing the nervous systems. The objective of the study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of the formula using the Pial-strip model and Morris water maze analysis in rats. Doses of 1600, 3200 and 6400 mg/kg body wt orally were used. Dihydroergocristine 0.4 mg/kg p.o was used as the reference standard. The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the hippocampus and cortex were measured using thiobarbituric acid, nitrate reductase and xanthine-xanthine oxidase spectrophotometric methods, respectively. ZTW 1600- 6400mg/kg daily doses to pial strip-lesioned rats for 36 d, from day 6-42 after pial strip significantly reduced the prolonged latency and increased the swimming time spent within the target quadrant. The increased contents of MDA and NO and the decreased activities of SOD induced by the pial strip were significantly improved. ZTW significantly reduced the level of free radicals in pial stripped rats. ZTW can improve learning and memory function and it possess  anti-oxidant activity. ZTW may be beneficial in the treatment of vascular dementia.

Keywords: Zhen Tian Wan; pial strip; lesion; Memory; Morris water maze; free radicals