How Qifu Yin Affects Gut Health in Memory-Impaired Individuals

Greg Howard
9th June, 2024

How Qifu Yin Affects Gut Health in Memory-Impaired Individuals

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine found that Qifu Yin (QFY) improved memory and cognitive function in mice with scopolamine-induced memory impairment
  • Mice treated with high doses of QFY showed increased exercise time and reduced errors in memory tests, indicating enhanced cognitive abilities
  • QFY treatment led to reduced oxidative stress, increased neuroprotective proteins, and restored gut microbiota balance, contributing to improved brain health
Memory impairment is a pressing concern in medical research, especially given its association with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia. A recent study conducted by Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine sheds light on the potential benefits of Qifu Yin (QFY), a traditional Chinese medicine, in mitigating memory loss and cognitive decline in mice models[1]. This study not only explores the impact of QFY on cognitive functions but also delves into its effects on calcium ion pathways and sphingolipid metabolism, providing a comprehensive analysis of its mechanisms. QFY, derived from a formulation by the Ming Dynasty physician Zhang Jingyue, is composed of several herbal ingredients including Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata. Traditionally used to treat memory loss, QFY's efficacy was evaluated in mice with scopolamine-induced memory impairment—a common experimental model for studying cognitive dysfunction. The study divided Kunming mice into several groups: a blank group, a Ginkgo tablet group, and three QFY dosage groups (high, medium, and low). Behavioral experiments, such as the open field and step-down tests, assessed the memory and learning abilities of these mice. The results were promising: mice treated with high doses of QFY exhibited increased exercise time and reduced diagonal time, indicating improved cognitive function. Additionally, all QFY-treated groups showed a significant reduction in the number of errors during the step-down test, further suggesting enhanced memory retention. Pathological examinations revealed that QFY-treated mice had closely arranged and structurally clear nerve cells in the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory formation. Biochemical analyses showed increased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain tissue of QFY-treated mice, indicating reduced oxidative stress. These findings align with earlier research indicating that substances capable of increasing SOD activity and reducing MDA levels can improve cognitive function[2]. The study also investigated the expression of several key proteins involved in memory and neuroprotection. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the hippocampus of QFY-treated mice. These proteins are known to play a vital role in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Conversely, the expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP), which is implicated in AD pathology, was significantly reduced in QFY-treated groups. This reduction in APP expression is crucial as it suggests a protective effect against amyloid-beta accumulation, a hallmark of AD[3]. Serum analysis further corroborated these findings, showing increased CREB levels and decreased N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) content in QFY-treated mice. NMDARs are involved in synaptic plasticity and memory function, and their dysregulation is associated with cognitive deficits[4]. The study also noted a significant decrease in the expression of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase-1 (ASK1) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mRNA in the hippocampus, indicating reduced neuronal apoptosis and inflammation. Interestingly, the study explored the relationship between QFY and gut microbiota, revealing significant restoration in the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia and Herminiimonas. This finding is particularly relevant as recent research has highlighted the link between gut microbiota, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and overall brain health[5]. By restoring gut microbiota balance, QFY may help reduce oxidative stress and improve cognitive function. In summary, the study by Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine demonstrates that QFY can significantly improve memory and cognitive function in mice with scopolamine-induced memory impairment. This improvement is likely mediated through multiple pathways, including the reduction of oxidative stress, modulation of key neuroprotective proteins, and restoration of gut microbiota balance. These findings provide a robust experimental foundation for the clinical application of QFY in treating memory-related disorders.

MedicineHealthMental Health

References

Main Study

1) Regulating Effect of Qifu Yin on Intestinal Microbiota in Mice with Memory Impairment Induced by Scopolamine Hydrobromide.

Published 6th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2024.118445

Related Studies

2) Effects and mechanism of cerebroprotein hydrolysate on learning and memory ability in mice.

https://doi.org/10.4238/gmr.15038804

3) Astragaloside IV Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment and Neuroinflammation in an Oligomeric Aβ Induced Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model via Inhibition of Microglial Activation and NADPH Oxidase Expression.

https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.b21-00381

4) Dysregulation of neural calcium signaling in Alzheimer disease, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

https://doi.org/10.4161/pri.21767

5) Mitochondria, the gut microbiome and ROS.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109737


Related Articles

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙