Anti-amnesic and neuroprotective effects of artemisia argyi H. (Seomae mugwort) extracts

Abstract

The anti-amnesic effect of Artemisia argyi H against trimethyltin (TMT)-induced learning and memory impairment and its neuroprotective effect against H2O2-inducedoxidative stress were investigated. Cognitive behavior was examined by Y-maze and passive avoidance test for 4 weeks, which showed improved cognitive functions in mice treated with the extract. In vitro neuroprotective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress were examined using 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium-bromide and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. A. argyi H. extract showed protective effects against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity; moreover, LDH release into the medium was inhibited. Finally, highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that eupatilin and jaceosidin were the major phenolic compounds in A. argyi H. extract. These results suggest that A. argyi H. could be a good source of functional substances to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.