Abstract:

Objective: To explore the effect of Cordyceps militaris on learning and memory capability of D-galactose-induced aging mouse model. Methods: An aging mouse model was established through the induction of D-galactose, and the experimental mice (assigned to the model group) were by gavage administered with Cordyceps militaris for 6 consecutive weeks and the Cordyceps militaris treated group was obtained. After the end of the administration, the mice were evaluated for their learning and memory capability by dark avoidance test, shuttle-box test and step-down test. Results: Compared with the control group, the learning and memory capability of mice in model group exhibited a significant decrease (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01); While, compared with the model group, the learning and memory capability of mice the Cordyceps militaris treated group exhibited an obvious recovery (P＜0.05). Conclusion: Cordyceps militaris can significantly improve learning and memory capability of aged mice.

Key words: Cordyceps militaris, aging, memory disturbance, improvement