Angelica keiskei ameliorates scopolamine-induced memory impairments in mice. (49/51)

Memory impairment is the most common symptom in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Angelica keiskei (AK) has traditionally been used as a diuretic, laxative, analeptic and galactagogue. However, the anti-amnesic effects of AK and its molecular mechanisms have yet to be clearly elucidated. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of AK on scopolamine-induced memory impairments in mice. The regulatory effect of AK on memory impairment was investigated using passive avoidance, Y-maze and the Morris water maze tasks. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity assay was performed to investigate the cholinergic antagonistic effect of AK in the hippocampus. The effect of AK on phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were evaluated by Western blot assays and immunohistochemistry. The findings showed that AK significantly attenuated scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice. Increase of AChE activity caused by scopolamine was significantly attenuated by AK. Additionally, AK significantly recovered the phosphorylation of CREB and expression of BDNF reduced by scopolamine in the hippocampus. Taken together, these results provide experimental evidence that AK might be a useful agent in preventing deficit of learning and memory caused by AD and aging.  (+info)

cAMP-binding site of PKA as a molecular target of bisabolangelone against melanocyte-specific hyperpigmented disorder. (50/51)

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Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of R.A.P. (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis) ethanol extracts. (51/51)

The objective of this paper was to study the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Radix Angelicae Pubescentis (R.A.P) ethanol extracts. Three classic anti-inflammatory models and two analgesic models were used in this research. In anti-inflammatory tests, all the extracts have a certain inhibition on the acute inflammation induced by xylene, however, 60% ethanol extract significantly inhibited the inflammation in the three models. In analgesic experiment, compared with the blank control group, the comparisons between R.A.P. groups and control group had significant difference (p < 0.01). The incubation period in mouse writhing test or the tail-curl immersion tests could be extended greatly.  (+info)