kalopanax-saponin-b and Memory-Disorders

The stem-bark of Kalopanax pictus (KP, family Araliaceae), which contains triterpenoid saponins, has been shown to exhibit anticarcinogenic, antiinflammatory, antirheumatoid and antidiabetic activities. In a preliminary study, a KP methanol extract demonstrated acetylcholinesterase activity in vitro and memory enhancement in scopolamine-treated mice. Therefore, we isolated acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, kalopanaxsaponins A and B, from a KP butanol (BuOH) fraction, measured acetylcholinesterase activity in vitro, and investigated their memory-enhancing effects in a passive avoidance test, Y-maze test and Morris water maze test. These constituents inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity and significantly reversed scopolamine-induced deficits. They also increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylated cAMP response element binding (p-CREB) protein expression but reduced TNF-α increased by scopolamine. Based on these findings, kalopanaxsaponins A and B may ameliorate memory deficits by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity and inducing BDNF and p-CREB expression.

Topics: Acetylcholinesterase; Animals; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Butanols; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Enzyme Activation; Kalopanax; Maze Learning; Memory; Memory Disorders; Methanol; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Nootropic Agents; Oleanolic Acid; Phosphorylation; Phytotherapy; Plant Bark; Saponins; Scopolamine; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha