Effects of optimized-SopungSunkiwon on memory impairment and enhancement

Optimized-SopungSunkiwon (OSS) is a multi-herbal formula that contains six medicinal herbs from SopungSunkiwon, a traditional medicine used for neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we investigated the anti-amnesic effects of OSS in a dementia model. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition assay was performed to investigate the cholinergic antagonistic effect of OSS. In addition, a step-through passive-avoidance test was performed with scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice, and immunohistochemistry was analyzed to investigate synaptic formation with synaptic proteins. OSS inhibited AChE activity, resulting in significant improvement of memory functions. In the passive-avoidance test, the latency time of OSS-treated mice was significantly longer than that of either the control or scopolamine-treated group. In the immunohistochemical analysis, synaptic proteins such as synaptophysin and PSD-95 were significantly increased in OSS-treated mice. These results demonstrate that OSS may affect impairment and enhancement of memory and increase synaptophysin and PSD-95 facilitating acetylcholine release and synaptic growth. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.