OBJECTIVETo investigate actions of protein and anthraquinone glucosides from Semen Cassia on learning and memory capacity and related substances of senile mice induced by D-galactose.

METHODThe subacute senile mouse models induced by injection of D-galactose subcutaneously were used.

RESULTProtein and anthraquinone glucosides from Semen Cassia could improve the learning and memory capacity of senile mice. Protein and anthraquinone glucosides from Semen Cassia not only inhibited the increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) in cerebrum of senile mice, but also enhanced the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in cerebrum and lessened the lipofuscin (LF) in liver tissue of senile mice. Protein from Semen Cassia could reduce the content of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in cerebrum of senile mice.

CONCLUSIONProtein and anthraquinone glucosides from Semen Cassia could improve the learning and memory capacity of senile mice and delay aging.

Animals ; Anthraquinones ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Cassia ; chemistry ; Cerebrum ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Female ; Galactose ; Lipofuscin ; metabolism ; Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Maze Learning ; drug effects ; Memory ; drug effects ; Memory Disorders ; chemically induced ; physiopathology ; prevention & control ; Mice ; Monoamine Oxidase ; metabolism ; Plant Proteins ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Random Allocation ; Seeds ; chemistry ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism