Curcuma longa enhances IFN-γ secretion by natural killer cells through cytokines secreted from macrophages.

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) regulates the human immune system. To study the interaction between macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells, we established a THP-1 macrophage-conditioned media. Among the 58 natural plant extracts tested, Curcuma longa exerted the strongest IFN-γ-enhancing effect in NK-92 cells through THP-1 macrophages.

Standardized Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina Extract Enhances Cognitive Performance in Normal Naive Mice.

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is closely associated with neuronal plasticity, cognitive function and the etiology of neurological diseases. We previously reported that the standardized ethanolic extract of Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina (EEPV) can be used for the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairments associated with Alzheimer's disease or schizophrenia.

Amyrin attenuates scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice.

Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by progressive cognitive impairment associated with the disruption of cholinergic neurotransmission. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of α- or β-amyrin, a type of pentacyclic triterpene, on the cognitive impairment induced by scopolamine, a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. To measure the abilities of various types of learning and memory, we conducted step-through passive avoidance task.

The effects of atomoxetine and methylphenidate on the prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response in mice.

Atomoxetine (ATM) and methylphenidate (MPD) have been used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ATM is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, whereas MPD is a psychostimulant and acts as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ATM (1, 3 or 10mg/kg) and MPD (5, 10 or 20mg/kg) on pharmacological mouse models of sensorimotor gating measured by prepulse inhibition (PPI) using the acoustic startle response test.

Spicatoside A enhances memory consolidation through the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in mice.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a pivotal role in memory consolidation. Previously, we found that the increased mature BDNF (mBDNF) levels in the hippocampal region at a specific time window after the acquisition trial are required for memory consolidation. In the present study, we investigated whether spicatoside A enhances memory consolidation, and whether its effects on memory consolidation are related to hippocampal mBDNF levels.

Ameliorating effect of spinosin, a C-glycoside flavonoid, on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice.

Spinosin is a C-glycoside flavonoid isolated from the seeds of Zizyphus jujuba var. spinosa. This study investigated the effect of spinosin on cholinergic blockade-induced memory impairment in mice.

Anxiolytic-like effect of danshensu [(3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-lactic acid)] in mice.

Aims: Danshensu [3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-lactic acid], a phenylpropanoid compound isolated from Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina, is a well-known antioxidant. Although its antioxidant activity and cardioprotective effect have been reported, the pharmacological properties of danshensu in the central nervous system remain unclear.

Effects of allantoin on cognitive function and hippocampal neurogenesis.

Allantoin is contained in Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) and a well-known cosmetic ingredient reported to have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. In the present study, we investigated whether allantoin affects cognitive function in mice. The subchronic administration of allantoin (1, 3 or 10 mg/kg, for 7 days) significantly increased the latency time measured during the passive avoidance task in scopolamine-induced cholinergic blockade and normal naïve mice.

Kami-ondam-tang, a traditional herbal prescription, attenuates the prepulse inhibition deficits and cognitive impairments induced by MK-801 in mice.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Kami-ondam-tang (KODT) has been used to treat neuropsychiatric disorders, including neurosis and insomnia, in traditional herbal medicine. However, the mechanisms of this drug have not been well characterized in the treatment of schizophrenia-like behaviors.

Aim Of The Study: We investigated whether schizophrenia-like behaviors induced by MK-801, a non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, could be attenuated by KODT.