Bojungikgi-Tang, a Traditional Herbal Formula, Exerts Neuroprotective Effects and Ameliorates Memory Impairments in Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Experimental Models

Abstract

Bojungikgi-tang (BJIGT; Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang in China, Hochuekkito in Japan) is a traditional Oriental herbal formula comprised of eight medicinal herbs that has long been used for the treatment of digestive disorders. A recent clinical study from South Korea reported that BJIGT-gamibang administration may be effective in treating dementia. We aimed to establish scientific evidence for the anti-dementia effects of BJIGT using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. We measured amyloid- β (Aβ) aggregation, β-secretase (BACE), and antioxidant activity in a cell free system. Neuroprotective effects were assessed using CCK-8. Imprinting control region (ICR) mice were divided into the following six groups: Normal control, Aβ-injected, Aβ-injection + oral BJIGT gavage (200, 400, or 800 mg/kg/day), and Aβ-injection + oral morin administration (10 mg/kg/day). Subsequently, behavioral evaluations were conducted and brain samples were collected from all the animals and assessed. BJIGT enhanced inhibition of Aβ aggregation and BACE activity in vivo, as well as antioxidant activity in in vitro, cell-free systems. BJIGT also exerted neuroprotective effects in a hydroperoxide (H2O2)-induced damaged HT22 hippocampal cell line model. In addition, BJIGT administration significantly ameliorated cognitive impairments in Aβ-injected mice, as assessed by the passive avoidance and Y-maze tests. Furthermore, BJIGT treatment suppressed Aβ aggregation and expression, as well as expression of Aβ, NeuN, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampi of Aβ-injected mice. Overall, our results demonstrate that, with further testing in clinical populations, BJIGT may have great utility for the treatment of dementia and especially Alzheimer’s disease.