Traditional Chinese medicine formulas for the treatment of osteoporosis: Implication for antiosteoporotic drug discovery.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Osteoporosis is a chronic epidemic which can leads to enhanced bone fragility and consequent an increase in fracture risk. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas have a long history of use in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Antiosteoporotic TCM formulas have conspicuous advantage over single drugs. Systematic data mining of the existing antiosteoporotic TCM formulas database can certainly help the drug discovery processes and help the identification of safe candidates with synergistic formulations. In this review, the authors summarize the clinical use and animal experiments of TCM formulas and their mechanism of action, and discuss the potential antiosteoporotic activity and the active constituents of commonly used herbs in TCM formulas for the therapy of osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature was searched from Medline, Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Spring Link, Web of Science, CNKI and VIP database from 1989 to 2015, and also collected from Chinese traditional books and Chinese Pharmacopoeia with key words such as osteoporosis, osteoblast, osteoclast, traditional Chinese medicine formulas to identify studies on the antiosteoporotic effects of TCM formulas, herbs and chemical constituents, and also their possible mechanisms. RESULTS: Thirty-three TCM formulas were commonly used to treat osteoporosis, and showed significant antiosteoporotic effects in human and animal. The herb medicines and their chemical constituents in TCM formulas were summarized, the pharmacological effects and chemical constituents of commonly used herbs in TCM formulas were described in detail. The action mechanisms of TCM formulas and their chemical constituents were described. Finally, the implication for the discovery of antiosteoporotic leads and combinatory ingredients from TCM formulas were prospectively discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical practice and animal experiments indicate that TCM formulas provide a definite therapeutic effect on osteoporosis. The active constituents in TCM formulas are diverse in chemical structure, and include flavonoids, lignans, saponins and iridoid glycosides. Antiosteoporotic mechanism of TCM formulas and herbs involves multi regulatory pathways, such as Wnt/ß-catenin, BMP/Smad, MAPK pathway and RANKL/OPG system. Phytochemicals from TCM formulas and their compositional herb medicines offer great potential for the development of novel antiosteoporotic drugs. The active ingredients in TCM formulas can be developed in combination as potent drugs, which may exhibit better antiosteoporotic effects compared to the individual compound.

Deep Sequencing Reveals the Effect of MeJA on Scutellarin Biosynthesis in Erigeron breviscapus.

BACKGROUND: Erigeron breviscapus, a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is broadly used in the treatment of cerebrovascular disease. Scutellarin, a kind of flavonoids, is considered as the material base of the pharmaceutical activities in E. breviscapus. The stable and high content of scutellarin is critical for the quality and efficiency of E. breviscapus in the clinical use. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanism of scutellarin biosynthesis is crucial for metabolic engineering to increase the content of the active compound. However, there is virtually no study available yet concerning the genetic research of scutellarin biosynthesis in E. breviscapus. RESULTS: Using Illumina sequencing technology, we obtained over three billion bases of high-quality sequence data and conducted de novo assembly and annotation without prior genome information. A total of 182,527 unigenes (mean length = 738 bp) were found. 63,059 unigenes were functionally annotated with a cut-off E-value of 10(-5). Next, a total of 238 (200 up-regulated and 38 down-regulated genes) and 513 (375 up-regulated and 138 down-regulated genes) differentially expressed genes were identified at different time points after methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment, which fell into categories of 'metabolic process' and 'cellular process' using GO database, suggesting that MeJA-induced activities of signal pathway in plant mainly led to re-programming of metabolism and cell activity. In addition, 13 predicted genes that might participate in the metabolism of flavonoids were found by two co-expression analyses in E. breviscapus. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to provide a transcriptome sequence resource for E. breviscapus plants after MeJA treatment and it reveals transcriptome re-programming upon elicitation. As the result, several putative unknown genes involved in the metabolism of flavonoids were predicted. These data provide a valuable resource for the genetic and genomic studies of special flavonoids metabolism and further metabolic engineering in E. breviscapus.

Chemical constituents from an endophytic fungus Chaetomium globosum Z1.

A new ergosterol, 15beta-hydroxyl-(22E,24R)-ergosta-3, 5, 8, 22-tetraen-one (1), along with three known ergosterols, two known cytochalasins, and two known azapholines were isolated from Chaetomium globosum Z1. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods (HR-ESI-MS, 1D NMR, and 2D NMR). Compound 6 showed significant cytotoxic activity against A-549 and MG-63 cell lines with IC50 values of 6.96 and 1.73 microg/mL, respectively.

A new labdane diterpene from Vitex negundo.

CONTEXT: Vitex negundo Linn. (Verbenaceae) seeds are pepper substitute and occasionally used as a condiment for edible purposes. The seeds also find use for analgesia, sedation, rheumatism and joint inflammation in folk medicine. OBJECTIVE: To isolate and characterize bioactive constituents from V. negundo seeds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethanol extract of V. negundo seeds was subjected to repeated column chromatography. Chemical structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses on the basis of NMR, IR, and MS data. Several pathogenic fungi isolates were employed to evaluate the antifungal activity of the isolated compound. RESULTS: Chemical investigations of the seed extract afforded a new labdane diterpenoid, named negundol (1a + 1b), as an inseparable mixture of two diastereoisomers in a 5:4 ratio. Their structures were identified as (rel 3S, 5S, 8R, 9R, 10S, 13S, 16S)-3-acetoxy-9, 13-epoxy-16-hydroxy-labda-15, 16-olide (1a), and (rel 3S, 5S, 8R, 9R, 10S, 13S, 16R)-3-acetoxy-9, 13-epoxy-16-hydroxy-labda-15, 16-olide (1b). Compound 1 was active as an antifungal agent with MIC80 values in the range of 16-64 µg/mL. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The presence of compound 1 in V. negundo is of chemotaxonomic significance, since plants under the genus Vitex are chemically characterized with labdane diterpenoids. Compound 1 exhibited potential antifungal activity and may be considered a lead compound for promising antifungal agent.

The genus Broussonetia: a review of its phytochemistry and pharmacology.

Plants belonging to the genus Broussonetia (Moraceae), which grow naturally in Asian and Pacific countries, have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various conditions, particularly tinea, dysentery, hernia and oedema. Various parts of plants of this genus such as the fruits, bark, leaves, flowers and roots are used medicinally. According to Flora of China, the inner bark fibre is used in making paper, and the wood is used for furniture. Several active compounds including coumarins, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, lignans and diterpenes have been isolated from the plants of this genus in the past few years, and some members of these constituents have been demonstrated to exert antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiplatelet, antityrosinase, antimicrobial and antinociceptive effects. Antidiabetic and antitumoural properties seem possible, but need further support. Due to the lack of clinical trials, there are few published reports on target-organ toxicity or side effects. Currently, some East Asian nations such as China, South Korea and Japan have shown increased interest in these plants. This article reviews the phytochemical and potential beneficial therapeutic effects of plants of this genus reported since 2000.

Antifatigue activity of the liposoluble fraction from Acanthopanax senticosus.

The crude extract of Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) has been used extensively in Russia, China, Korea and Japan as an adaptogenic agent to fight against stress and fatigue. However, whether the liposoluble fraction possesses antifatigue activity or not is still unclear. A liposoluble fraction was administered orally to mice for 9 days. The swimming time to exhaustion was longer in the treatment groups (22.2 ± 3.3, 25.5 ± 4.8 min) than in the control group (13.7 ± 1.2 min, p < 0.05). The plasma TG (triglyceride) and BUN (blood urea nitrogen) levels in the high dose (500 mg/kg) groups were decreased significantly compared with the control group. Plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was lower in the treatment groups than in the control group. Chemical analysis from GC/MS revealed that the main components of the liposoluble fraction of AS were saturated fatty acid (12.98%), unsaturated fatty acid (33.13%), unsaturated alcohol (27.46%) and diolefine (15.76%). In conclusion, the liposoluble fraction enhanced the forced swimming capacity of mice by decreasing muscle damage, effectively preventing the increase in BUN concentration and increasing fat utilization. It is proposed that the antioxidant effect may be one of the antifatigue mechanisms of the liposoluble fraction of AS.

Hepatotoxicity of kaurene glycosides from Xanthium strumarium L. fruits in mice.

The fruit of Xanthium strumarium L. (Cang-Er-Zi) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is used in curing nasal diseases and headache according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. However, clinical utilization of Xanthium strumarium is relatively limited because of its toxicity. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the toxic effects on acute liver injury in mice of the two kaurene glycosides (atractyloside and carbxyatractyloside), which are main toxic constituents isolated from Fructus Xanthii on acute liver injury in mice. Histopathological examinations revealed that there were not obviously visible injury in lungs, heart, spleen, and the central nervous system in the mice by intraperitoneal injection of atractyloside (ATR, at the doses 50,125 and 200 mg/kg) and carbxyatractyloside (CATR, at the doses 50,100 and 150 mg/kg) for 5 days. However, it revealed extensive liver injuries compared with the normal group. In the determination of enzyme levels in serum, intraperitoneal injection of ATR and CATR resulted in significantly elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), asparate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities compared to controls. In the hepatic oxidative stress level, antioxidant-related enzyme activity assays showed that ATR and CATR administration significantly increased hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, as well as decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities and glutathione (GSH) concentration, and this was in good agreement with the results of serum aminotransferase activity and histopathological examinations. Taken together, our results demonstrate that kaurene glycosides induce hepatotoxicity in mice by way of its induction of oxidative stress as lipid peroxidation in liver, which merited further studies. Therefore, these toxic constituents explain, at least in part, the hepatotoxicity of X. strumarium L. in traditional medicine.

Illicium verum: a review on its botany, traditional use, chemistry and pharmacology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The fruit of Illicium verum Hook. f. (Chinese star anise) has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and food industry with the actions of dispelling cold, regulating the flow of Qi and relieving pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bibliographic investigation was carried out by analyzing recognized books including Chinese herbal classic, and worldwide accepted scientific databases (Pubmed, SciFinder, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched for the available information on I. verum. RESULTS: I. verum is an aromatic evergreen tree of the family Illiciaceae. It is sometimes contaminated with highly toxic Japanese star anise (I. anisatum L.) and poisonous star anise (I. lanceolatum A. C. Smith), which contain several neurotoxic sesquiterpenes. Traditional uses of I. verum are recorded throughout Asia and Northern America, where it has been used for more than 10 types of disorders. Numerous compounds including volatiles, seco-prezizaane-type sesquiterpenes, phenylpropanoids, lignans, flavonoids and other constituents have been identified from I. verum. Modern pharmacology studies demonstrated that its crude extracts and active compounds possess wide pharmacological actions, especially in antimicrobial, antioxidant, insecticidal, analgesic, sedative and convulsive activities. In addition, it is the major source of shikimic acid, a primary ingredient in the antiflu drug (Tamiflu). AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review summarizes the up-to-date and comprehensive information concerning the botany, traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacology of I. verum together with the toxicology, and discusses the possible trend and scope for future research of I. verum.

The effect of Eleutheroside E on behavioral alterations in murine sleep deprivation stress model.

Eleutheroside E (EE), a principal component of Eleutherococcus senticosus, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and protective effects in ischemia heart etc. However, whether it can mitigate behavioral alterations induced by sleep deprivation, has not yet been elucidated. Numerous studies have demonstrated that memory deficits induced by sleep deprivation in experimental animals can be used as a model of behavioral alterations. The present study investigated the effect of EE, on cognitive performances and biochemical parameters of sleep-deprived mice. Animals were repeatedly treated with saline, 10 or 50mg/kg EE and sleep-deprived for 72 h by the multiple platform method. Briefly, groups of 5-6 mice were placed in water tanks (45 × 34 × 17 cm), containing 12 platforms (3 cm in diameter) each, surrounded by water up to 1cm beneath the surface or kept in their home cage. After sleep deprivation, mice showed significant behavioral impairment as evident by reduced latency entering into a dark chamber, locomotion and correctly rate in Y maze, and increased monoamines in hippocampus. However, repeated treatment with EE restored these behavioral and biochemical alterations in mice. In conclusion, the beneficial effect of EE may provide an effective and powerful strategy to alleviate behavioral alterations induced by sleep deprivation.

Bioactivity-guided fractionation for anti-fatigue property of Acanthopanax senticosus.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The root of Acanthopanax senticosus (also called Eleutherococcus senticosus or Siberian ginseng) has been used extensively in China, Russia and Japan as an adaptogen to fight against stress and fatigue. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was designed to ascertain the anti-fatigue property of Acanthopanax senticosus by load-weighted swimming test, sleep deprivation test, also to isolate and characterize the active constituents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals were orally administered with the extract of Acanthopanax senticosus. The anti-fatigue effects of the four fractions with different polarities from the 80% ethanol extract, and the different eluates collected from D101 macroporous resin chromatography and eleutheroside E, were examined based on the weight-loaded swimming capacity (physical fatigue) and the change of biochemical parameters in ICR mice. Moreover, the active fraction was later submitted to sleep-deprived mice (mental fatigue). RESULTS: The results shown that the n-butanol fraction significant extends the swimming time of mice to exhaustion. Furthermore, the 60% ethanol-water eluate, more purified eleutherosides (including eleutheroside E, E(2) and derivatives), were the exactly active constituents. Two compounds were isolated, which were identified as eleutheroside E, E(2). CONCLUSIONS: The eleutherosides possess the potent abilities to alleviate fatigue both in physical and mental fatigue. Eleutheroside E may be responsible for the pharmacological effect of anti-fatigue. Furthermore, the possible mechanisms were reduced the level of TG by increasing fat utilization, delayed the accumulation of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and increased the LDH to reduce the accumulation of lactic acid in muscle and then protect the muscle tissue.

Antinociceptive activities of the liposoluble fraction from Vitex negundo seeds.

The antinociceptive activities of the petroleum ether fraction (PEF) from the aqueous ethanol extract of Vitex negundo Linn. (Verbenaceae) seeds have been evaluated in several nociceptive mouse models. Given orally, the PEF (at doses of 12, 24, and 48 mg/kg body weight) produced significant dose-related inhibitions on chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and sub-plantar formalin injections and on thermal nociception in the hot-plate test. Naloxone (1 mg/kg bw subcutaneously), a non-selected opioid receptor antagonist, notably reversed the analgesic effect caused by the PEF (48 mg/kg bw) when assessed against the first phase of the formalin test, but this effect was less significant for the PEF in the second phase. Our observations suggest that the PEF probably interacted with the opioid system and may be more effective on inflammatory pain. In addition, potent anti-inflammatory activity of the PEF was observed in the xylene-induced ear edema test, which further indicates that the analgesic effects of the PEF may be partially mediated by its anti-inflammatory activity. Further chemical analysis suggests that the analgesic activities of the PEF could be mostly due to the abundance of fatty acids with synergetic effects in the present work.

Anti-inflammatory diterpenes from the seeds of Vitex negundo.

Phytochemical investigation of a dichloromethane-soluble extract of Vitexnegundo seeds led to the isolation of five labdane diterpenes, negundoins A-E (1-5), a 9,10-seco-abietane diterpene, negundoin F (6), a sandaracopimara-7,15-diene diterpene, negundoin G (7), and two known diterpene derivatives (8, 9). Their chemical structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses on the basis of NMR, IR, and MS data. The anti-inflammatory effects of metabolites 1-7 were also evaluated in vitro. Compounds 3 and 5 were among the most potent inhibitors on nitric oxide production by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, with IC(50) values of 0.12 and 0.23 microM, respectively. Further studies revealed that compounds 3 and 5 (5 microM) significantly reduced the levels of the iNOS protein to 0.40+/-0.13% and 41.02+/-6.02%, respectively, and COX-2 protein to 2.06+/-0.53% and 26.40+/-7.43%, respectively.

[Studies on chemical constituents of fructus broussonetiae].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Fructus Broussonetiae. METHODS: Column chromatography with silic gel was employed to isolate and purify the 80% alcohol extract of Fructus Broussonetia, and the constituents were identified by spectral methods. RESULTS: Six compounds were isolated from 80% ethanol extract. Their structures were identified as Isoterihanine (1), Chelerythrine (2), Trillin (3), Sucrose (4), beta-sitosterol (5) and Fucosterol (6). CONCLUSION: These compounds are isolated from Fructus Broussonetiae for the first time.

Nitric oxide scavenging lignans from Vitex negundo seeds.

A new phenyldihydronaphthalene-type lignan, vitexdoin A (1), a new phenylnaphthalene-type lignan alkaloid, vitedoamine B (2), four new phenylnaphthalene-type lignans, vitexdoins B-E (3-6), and four known lignan derivatives (7-10) were isolated from Vitex negundo seeds. Their structures were elucidated by detailed analyses of NMR, IR, and MS data. The ability of the isolates to prevent nitric oxide (NO) production by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner was also studied. Compounds 5, 6, and 9 were among the most potent NO production inhibitors, with IC(50) values of 0.13, 0.15, and 0.11 microM, respectively. The introduction of free hydroxy groups plays a vital role in the potency of these compounds.

Comparative research of chemical constituents, antifungal and antitumor properties of ether extracts of Panax ginseng and its endophytic fungus.

The chemical compositions and bioactivities of ether extracts of an endophytic fungus Paecilomyces sp. isolated from Panax ginseng were reported, and the comparative analysis of the constituents, antifungal and antitumor properties of the ether extracts from this fungus and its host ginseng were also conducted. By means of GC/MS technique, 51 compounds of Panax ginseng and 38 compounds of Paecilomyce sp. were determined. It is attractive that the extracts derived from Paecilomyce sp. and ginseng samples contained the same compound falcarinol, a natural pesticide and anti-cancer agent. The ether extracts of Paecilomyce sp., tested at 7.8 microg/ml, completely inhibited the visible growth of Pyricularia oryzae. Furthermore, both extracts were tested against four human pathogenic fungi and showed the IC(80) of Paecilomyce sp. was 4 microg/ml against Trichophyton rubrum, equally to the control. Finally, the in vitro antitumor experience showed that the most of the IC(50) values were all being below 20 microg/ml.

Authentication and quantitative analysis on the chemical profile of Xanthium fruit (Cang-Er-Zi) by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode-array detection tandem mass spectrometry method.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method using diode-array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) was developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis on Xanthium fruit, a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, 7 characteristic components, 1-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid, chlorogenic acid, 1,5-O-di-caffeoylquinic acid, 1,3-O-di-caffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-O-di-caffeoylquinic acid and 1,3,5-O-tri-caffeoylquinic acid were identified and quantified by a validated HPLC-DAD method, and a fingerprint comprised of 12 markers was established under the same operating conditions. Furthermore, HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method was successfully used to deduce the structure of three main constituents. On the basis of the established chromatographic profiles, 30 populations of cocklebur samples including 3 related species and 1 unknown species were divided into 3 chemotypes, indicated that place of origin significantly influences the kinds and content of components in cocklebur, and hence affects their quality. The simultaneous determination of 7 caffeoylquinic acids in the 30 samples showed a great variety in the amounts of caffeoylquinic acids present. The study indicated that some species such as Xanthium mongolicum of the genus Xanthium might be suitable for development as new alternative sources of caffeoylquinic acids to supplement the officially listed Xanthium species, and the abundant constituents such as chlorogenic acid perhaps should be recorded in some authorized publications and applied to the quality control or quality evaluation for Xanthium in China. The entire analytical procedure is reproducible and suitable for the authentication and quantification of Xanthium fruits.

Lipid-lowering effects of polydatin from Polygonum cuspidatum in hyperlipidemic hamsters.

Hyperlipidaemias are common in obese people, and they increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD) and atherosclerosis (AS). Previous studies have shown that several drugs can depress serum cholesterol. However, they could cause serious side effects in various clinical settings. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the lipid-lowering effects of polydatin in high-fat/cholesterol (HFC)-fed hamsters. The levels of lipids in hamsters were measured enzymatically before and after the administration of polydatin. Significant differences between HFC and HFC+polydatin were detected for those concentrations. Decreased levels of serum TC, TG and LDL-C and the concentrations of hepatic TG were found. Experimental results also showed that polydatin elevated LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratios. In concert with other effects, serum cholesterol-lowering effect in hamsters may contribute to the regulation properties attributed to polydatin.

Regulative effects of essential oil from Atractylodes lancea on delayed gastric emptying in stress-induced rats.

Gastric motor dysfunction induced by psychological stress results in many symptoms of functional dyspepsia (FD). There are a number of herbal medicines that are reported to improve gastrointestinal motor. However, the mechanisms of considerable herbal medicines are not explicit. In the present study, the effects of an essential oil (EO) extracted from Atractylodes lancea on delayed gastric emptying, gastrointestinal hormone and hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) abnormalities induced by restraint stress in rats were investigated and the mechanism of the EO is also explored. Oral administration of EO for 7 days did not affect normal gastric emptying, but accelerated delayed gastric emptying induced by restraint stress in rats. The EO significantly increased the levels of motilin (MTL) and gastrin (GAS) and decreased the levels of somatostatin (SS) and CRF. The EO did not modify gastric emptying in vagotomized rats that underwent restraint stress, but antagonized delayed gastric emptying induced by intracisternal injection of CRF. These results suggest that the regulative effects of the EO on delayed gastric emptying are preformed mainly via inhibition of the release of central CRF and activation of vagal pathway, which are also involved in the release of gastrointestinal hormones such as MTL, GAS and SS.

Correlation between the genetic diversity and variation of total phenolic acids contents in Fructus Xanthii from different populations in China.

Fructus Xanthii (Cang-Er-Zi) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is used in curing nasal diseases and headache according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. For the effective quality control of its medicinal values, reflected by chemical variation patterns, in addition to the relationship with genetic diversity, analyses based on UV spectrophotometry, HPLC fingerprinting and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers were carried out, involving 16 Xanthium populations from different locations in China. The HPLC data showed considerable variation of chemical constituents among the 16 Xanthium populations, and they were classified to three chemotypes by hierarchical clustering analysis. Abundant genetic diversity was detected among the Xanthium populations, which were also clustered into three groups based on their ISSR data and varied according to different species. Combining the genetic divergence and chemical differences showed an important result that, in the two chemotypes, the higher contents of total phenolic acids (TPA) in Fructus Xanthii showed greater genetic diversity (I). We suggest that genetic diversity affects the contents of TPA. Since variable phenolic acid contents may affect therapeutic efficacy, it is important to point out that combining the use of genetic base with chemotype will help control the favourable chemotypes and breed new cultivars with more desirable chemical constituents.

[Effect of Liriope platyphylla total saponin on learning, memory and metabolites in aging mice induced by D-galactose].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Liriope platyphylla total saponin (LPTS) on learning, memory, neuromediators and metabolites in aging mice induced by D-galactose. METHODS: Ninety Kunming mice were randomly divided into nine groups: normal saline (NS)-treated group, untreated group, high- (100 mg/kg), medium- (50 mg/kg) and low-dose (10 mg/kg) LPTS-treated groups, Shuxuening-treated group, jiaogulanosidi-treated group, flunarizine-treated group and vitamin E-treated group. The Kunming mice in the NS-treated group were administered with NS by intraperitoneal injection, while the aging mice in the other eight groups were administered with D-galactose by intraperitoneal injection. At the same time, the aging mice in different groups were fed with corresponding drugs for 42 days, and the aging items of the mice in different groups were measured, respectively. RESULTS: LPTS could improve the memory of aging mice induced by D-galactose, promote its body weight, and increase the thymus and spleen indexes of the aging mice. LPTS could decrease the levels of MDA and lipofuscin, inhibit MAO activity and increase SOD activity and GSH-Px level. CONCLUSION: LPTS may improve the ability of learning and memory and delay aging.