| Summary: | Objective Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT), a traditional Chinese medicine, improves cognitive ability in rat models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of HLJDT on learning and memory impairment that are caused by Aβ 25–35 . Methods Rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: control (water), Aβ 25–35 , donepezil hydrochloride 1.05 mg/kg, HLJDT 6 g/kg, HLJDT 3 g/kg, and HLJDT 1.5 g/kg and the corresponding drugs were administered for 28 days by oral gavage. HLJDT for the prevention of Aβ 25–35 -induced injury in rats and the underlying mechanisms were assessed. Aβ 25–35 and amyloid precursor protein (APP) levels were measured in the hippocampal specimens. Total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the hippocampus were also measured. The ultrastructure of CA1 hippocampal region was observed using electron microscopy. Results HLJDT treatment ameliorated impaired learning and memory significantly, decreased Aβ 25–35 , and APP levels in the hippocampus, increased T-SOD and GSH activity and decreased the MDA concentration, and alleviated the nuclear and cytoplasmic abnormalities of the hippocampal CA 1 region that were induced by Aβ 25–35 injection. Conclusions HLJDT might decrease hippocampal vulnerability to Aβ 25–35 , suggesting its potential neuroprotective effect in AD.
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