Cordyceps militaris extract attenuates D-galactose-induced memory impairment in mice

J Med Food. 2012 Dec;15(12):1057-63. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2011.2105. Epub 2012 Dec 10.

Abstract

Memory impairment is one of main clinical symptoms of brain senescence. To address the effects of Cordyceps militaris Link extract (CE) on memory impairment, a D-galactose (D-Gal)-induced aging mouse model was employed. Mice injected with D-Gal showed a significant learning and memory impairment that was rescued by CE treatment. The mechanism was further investigated by analyzing the protein level and activity of oxidant and antioxidant molecules, including malondialdehyde (MDA), monoamine oxidase (MAO), total super-oxide dismutase (T-SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), which played critical roles in the development of brain senescence. The results showed that CE treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the oxidative activity of MAO and the level of MDA, and significantly increased the antioxidant activities of T-SOD and T-AOC in the cerebral cortices. Moreover, the level of GSH and the activity of antioxidant enzymes GSH-px in serum were significantly upregulated after CE treatment. Taken together, our results suggest that Cordyceps militaris extract could ameliorate experimental memory impairment in mice with D-Gal-induced aging through its potent antioxidant activities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging / drug effects
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / analysis
  • Cerebral Cortex / drug effects
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism
  • Cordyceps / chemistry*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Galactose / adverse effects*
  • Glutathione / analysis
  • Glutathione Peroxidase / analysis
  • Malondialdehyde / analysis
  • Maze Learning / drug effects
  • Memory Disorders / chemically induced
  • Memory Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Monoamine Oxidase / analysis
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Superoxide Dismutase / analysis
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Malondialdehyde
  • Glutathione Peroxidase
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • Monoamine Oxidase
  • Glutathione
  • Galactose