Abstract
Background: Microglia produces a barrage of factors (IL-l, TNF-$\alpha$, NO, superoxide) that are toxic to neurons and playa major role in the cellular immune response associated with the pathology of Alzheimer's disease(AD). OJaJiHwangEumJa(OJJHEJ) has been usually used for the treatment of senile disorders. For enhancing efficacy and convenience, the change of the drug delivery device of oriental herbal medicine is required. Objective: This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of the OJJHEJ hot water extract & ultra-fine powder on proinflammatory cytokine of microglia and memory deficit model. Method: The effects of the OJJHEJ hot water extract on production of IL-1$\beta$, IL-6, TNF-$\alpha$, in BV2 microglial cell line treated by lipopolysacchaide(LPS) were investigated. The effects of the OJJHEJ hot water extract & ultra-fine powder on the behavior of the memory deficit mice induced by scopolamine and AChE in serum of the memory deficit mice induced by scopolamine were investigated. Results: 1. The OJJHEJ hot water extract suppressed the production of IL-1$\beta$, IL-6, TNF-$\alpha$ in BV2 microglial cell line and the production of IL-6 was suppressed significantly. 2. The OJJHEJ hot water extract & ultra-fine powder decreased AChE significantly in the serum of the memory deficit mice induced by scopolamine. 3. The OJJHEJ hot water extract & ultra-fine powder groups showed significantly inhibitory effect on the scopolamine-induced impairment of memory in the experiment of Morris water maze. Conclusions: This experiment shows that the OJJHEJ hot water extract & ultra-fine powder might be effective for the prevention and treatment of memory impairment diseases. Investigation into the clinical use of the OJJHEJ hot water extract & ultra-fine powder for Alzheimer's disease is suggested for future research.
(Dept. of Neuropsychiatry, College of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon University)