Influence of Astragali Radix and Hedysari Radix Extracts on Brain Antioxidant Capability and the Hippocampus Ultrastructure in Aging Model Mice

OBJECTIVE To study the anti-aging activity of Astragali Radix and Hedysari Radix extracts. METHODS The aging mice model was induced by D-glactose. The mice were administered intragastically with same dose of Astragali Radix and Hedysari Radix extracts. The activities of T-AOC, SOD, and the contents of MDA in brain were detected by spectrophotomete; DNA damage of brain cell was observed by single cell gel electrophoresis; morphologic changes of brain histology and hippocampus ultrastructure were observed by microscope and electron microscope. RESULTS The high dose group of Astragali Radix extracts and the middle, high dose group of Hedysari Radix extracts could significantly promote T-AOC, SOD activities, decrease MDA contents in brain, and reduce DNA damage, as well as notably relieved the aging symptoms of morphological structure in hippocampal neurons. CONCLUSION Astragali Radix and Hedysari Radix extracts can delay the aging process, and the possible mechanisms may be due to its enhancement antioxidant capability and relief the DNA damage of brain cell, maintain integrity and postpone degenerative change of hippocampal neurons.