Improving effects of extract of the husk of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge on amyloid beta protein-induced learning and memory impairmant in aninal models

Objective To explore the improving effects of ethanol extract of the husk of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge(EXB)on learning and memory in model with Alzheimer′s disease and preliminarily investigate the mechanism.Methods Water maze task and step-through test were performed to observe the learning and memory ability of mice.Behavioral changes in rats were evaluated using Y maze and Morris water maze task.The alterations in hippocampus morphology were assessed using microscope.Results The escape latencyin water maze task and the numbers of error in step-through test were markedly decreased and the right reflect in water maze task and the escape latency in step-through test were increased in AD mice induced by i.c.v.amylaid beta protein(25-35)(Aβ(25-35)).The escape latency and the swimming distance in working memory test were obviously shortened in Morris water maze.The percent alternation was increased in Y maze task.EXB improved neurodegenerative changes and reduced the death of neurons in hippocampus slices in rats impaired by D-galactose and Aβ(25-35).Conclusions These results indicate that EXB significantly ameliorate learning and memory ability in mice and rats with Alzheimer's disease and the mechanism may be partially related to attenuation of the neurotoxicity of Aβ(25-35).