anti-aging effects of Epimedium Acuminatum based on the anti-oxidant effect

OBJECTIVE To verify the anti-aging function of Epimedium acuminatum (E. acuminatum) resulting from their anti-oxidation effects not from immunological effect. METHODS Aged mice were made via subcutaneous injecting D-galactose. The ethanol extract of E. acuminatum was administered orally to the aged mice. A series of biomarkers related to aging, including malonydialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), protein carbonyl (PCO), and nitric oxide (NO) were detected. Immunology indices of thymus indices and changes of T lymphocytes were determined with or without the oral administration of extracts. RESULTS E. acuminatum decreased the levels of MDA, PCO, and increased the levels of SOD and NO. This demonstrated that the anti-oxidation effect of E. acuminatum was obvious. However, it had little effects on the thymus indices, and changes of T lymphocytes. CONCLUSION E. acuminatum shows anti-aging function mainly due to anti-oxidation effect with little immunological effect.