Effect of Saenggitang on Learning and Memory Ability in Mice

Objective : The effect Saenggitang (GT), which has been used for amnesia, in Oriental Medicine, on memory and learning ability, was investigated. Methods : Hot water extracts (HWE) of SGT were used for the studies. In passive avoidance performances (step through test), active avoidance performances (lever press test), Motor activity, pentobarbital-induced sleep, 20 and 50 mg/100g of SGT-HWE ameliorated the memory retrieval deficit induced by 40% ethanol. Results : The SGT-HWE did not affect the ambulatory activity of normal mice in normal condition. 20 and 50 mg/100g of SGT-HWE enhanced contextual fear memory, but not cued fear memory in a fear conditioning task, which requires the activation of the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartase) receptor. SGT-HWE did not affect the motor activity measured by the titling type ambulometer test performed immediately and 24 hr after the administration. SGT-HWE prolonged the sleeping time induced by 50 mg/kg pentobarbital in mice and decreased SMA (spontaneous motor activity) in active avoidance performances (lever press test). Conclusion : These results indicate that the SGT-HWE have an improving effect on the memory retrieval disability induced by ethanol and may act as a stimulating factor for activating the NMDA receptor. and the SGT-HWE has a tranquilizing and anti-anxiety action.