BT-11 is effective for enhancing cognitive functions in the elderly humans

Roots of Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow have been used in humans for centuries because of its sedative effects. We previously reported that BT-11, extracted from the roots of the plant, improved memory impairments in rats, enhanced memory in normal humans, and inhibited acetylcholinesterase activitie...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Neuroscience letters 2009-11, Vol.465 (2), p.157-159
Main Authors: Shin, Ki Young, Lee, Jun-Young, Won, Beom Young, Jung, Hee Yeon, Chang, Keun-A., Koppula, Sushruta, Suh, Yoo-Hun
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Biological and medical sciences
BT-11
CERAD-K
Cognition
Cognition - drug effects
Double-Blind Method
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Male
Mental Recall - drug effects
MMSE
Neuropsychological Tests
Nootropic Agents - pharmacology
Plant Extracts - pharmacology
Polygala
Polygala tenuifolia
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Recognition (Psychology) - drug effects
Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Roots of Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow have been used in humans for centuries because of its sedative effects. We previously reported that BT-11, extracted from the roots of the plant, improved memory impairments in rats, enhanced memory in normal humans, and inhibited acetylcholinesterase activities in vitro. The present study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison study to investigate whether BT-11 could enhance memory in the elderly humans. We used the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet (CERAD) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). In the elderly, the total CERAD scores were much more significantly increased in the BT-11-treated group (n=28) than in the placebo-treated group (n=25). Especially, the mean scores of word list recognition, constructional recall and praxis, and modified Boston naming test were markedly improved in BT-11-treated group than in placebo-treated group. In conclusion, BT-11 could enhance some cognitive functions including memory in the elderly humans and therefore may be used as nutraceuticals that provide health benefits, including disease prevention and/or treatment.
ISSN:0304-3940
1872-7972
DOI:10.1016/j.neulet.2009.08.033