Planta Med 2007; 73(3): 275-278
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-967127
Letter
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Psoralen and Isopsoralen, Two Coumarins of Psoraleae Fructus, can Alleviate Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia in Rats

Chi-Rei Wu1 , Chia-Lin Chang1 , Ping-Ying Hsieh1 , Li-Wei Lin1 , Hui Ching2
  • 1Institute of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan R.O.C.
  • 2Taichung Hospital, Department of Health, The Executive Yuan, Taichung, Taiwan R.O.C.
Further Information

Publication History

Received: June 16, 2006

Accepted: January 15, 2007

Publication Date:
22 February 2007 (online)

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Abstract

In this study we have found that the crude extract of Psoraleae Fructus inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity in vitro and ameliorated impairment of the inhibitory avoidance response and of the water maze spatial performance caused by scopolamine in rats. Among all fractions, the chloroform fraction showed the best inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase activity and could reduce the scopolamine-induced inhibitory avoidance response impairment. Psoralen and isopsoralen, two major constituents of the chloroform fraction of Psoraleae Fructus identified by high performance liquid chromatography, also reduced the extent of the inhibitory avoidance response impairment. The results suggest that psoralen and isopsoralen are the major active ingredients of Psoraleae Fructus responsible for the progressive reversal of scopolamine-induced amnesia, whose effects are partially associated with inhibition of AchE activity and hence activation of the central cholinergic neuronal system.

References

Dr. Chi-Rei Wu

Institute of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences

Department of Pharmacy

China Medical University

91 Hsueh Shih Road

Taichung 40424

Taiwan

Republic of China

Phone: +886-4-2205-3366-1708

Fax: +886-4-3509-0713

Email: crw@mail.cmu.edu.tw