Beneficial Effects of Gagam-Palmultang on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits in Mice

Abstract EN

From text mining of Dongeuibogam, the 7 herbs in Palmultang can be considered effective candidates for memory enhancement.

We sought to determine whether Gagam-Palmultang, comprising these 7 herbs, ameliorates scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice, by focusing on the central cholinergic system and memory-related signaling molecules.

Behavioral tests were performed after inducing memory impairment by scopolamine administration.

The cholinergic system activity and memory-related molecules were examined in the hippocampus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent, western blot, and immunofluorescence assays.

Gagam-Palmultang ameliorated scopolamine-induced memory impairment in the Morris water maze test, producing a significant improvement in the mean time required to find the hidden platform.

Treatment with Gagam-Palmultang reduced acetylcholinesterase activity and expression in the hippocampus induced by scopolamine.

The diminished phosphorylated phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) expressions caused by scopolamine administration were attenuated by treatment with Gagam-Palmultang.

This treatment also promoted neuronal cell proliferation in the hippocampus.

Gagam-Palmultang has beneficial effects against scopolamine-induced memory impairments, which are exerted via modulation of the cholinergic system as well as the PI3K and ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.

Therefore, this multiherb formula may be a useful therapeutic agent for diseases associated with memory impairments.