Planta Med 2008; 74(4): 377-380
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1034319
Pharmacology
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effect of Glabridin from Glycyrrhiza glabra on Learning and Memory in Mice

Yong-Ming Cui1 , Ming-Zhang Ao1 , Wei Li1 , Long-Jiang Yu
  • 1College of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Resource Biology and Biotechnology, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
Further Information

Publication History

Received: September 21, 2007 Revised: January 22, 2008

Accepted: January 23, 2008

Publication Date:
07 March 2008 (online)

Abstract

Glabridin was isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra and its effects on cognitive functions and cholinesterase activity were investigated in mice. Glabridin (1, 2 and 4 mg kg-1, p. o.) and piracetam (400 mg kg-1, i. p.), a clinically used nootropic agent, were administered daily for 3 successive days to different groups of mice. The higher doses (2 and 4 mg kg-1, p. o.) of glabridin and piracetam significantly antagonized the amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.5 mg kg-1, i. p.) in both the elevated plus maze test and passive avoidance test. Furthermore, glabridin (2 and 4 mg kg-1, p. o.) and metrifonate (50 mg kg-1, i. p.), used as a standard drug, both remarkably reduced the brain cholinesterase activity in mice compared to the control group. Therefore, glabridin appears to be a promising candidate for memory improvement and it will be worthwhile to explore the potential of glabridin in the management of Alzheimer patients.

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Prof. Dr. Long-Jiang Yu

College of Life Science and Technology

Institute of Resource Biology and Biotechnology, Huazhong University of Science & Technology

Wuhan 430074

People's Republic of China

Phone: +86-27-8779-2264

Fax: +86-27-8779-2265

Email: yulj@hust.edu.cn

Email: cym@smail.hust.edu.cn