Intake of Scrophularia buergeriana extract (Brainon®) shows memory improvement effects in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study Memory improvement effect of Brainon®

Main Article Content

sung-kwon Lee
Hae-Lim Kim
Seong-Hyeon Park
Bong-Keun Choi
Dong-Ryung Lee
Seung-Hwan Yang

Keywords

Scrophularia buergeriana, Clinical trial, Memory improvement, Memory impairment, Health functional food

Abstract

Background and aim: Scrophularia buergeriana (SB), also known as Hyun-Sam in Korea, is a traditional medicine used to alleviate fever, swollen skin, constipation, and other health issues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Scrophularia buergeriana 70% ethanol extract (Brainon®) supplementation on memory improvement in adults who complained of memory impairment. Methods: Eighty volunteers were recruited from Wonkwang University, Korean Medicine Hospital in Iksan, Republic of Korea. Participants were given either a daily dose of 300 mg of Brainon® or a placebo. In this study, the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), a Computerized Neurocognitive function Test (CNT), Digit Span Test, serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were used to check effects of Brainon® on memory function in those with mild memory impairment. Results: Consumption of Brainon® resulted in significant improvements in immediate recall total score of the CNT-Verbal learning test, correct response and omission error items of the CNT-Visual C.P.T, backward recall of the Digit span test, and serum levels of BDNF and IL-6. Clinically significant adverse events or physical changes were not observed in this study. Conclusions: This clinical trial demonstrated for the first time the efficacy and safety of SB extract (Brainon®) in enhancing memory function. The results of this study indicate that consumption of Brainon® could lead to an improvement in memory without any adverse effects. Based on these research findings, Brainon® is expected to be developed as a health functional food ingredient.

Abstract 127 | PDF Downloads 72

References

1. Wilson RS, Wang T, Yu L, Bennett DA, Boyle PA. Normative cognitive decline in old age. Ann Neurol 2020;87:816–829.
2. Sengoku R. Aging and Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Neuropathology 2020;40:22–29.
3. Lissek V, Suchan B. Preventing dementia? Interventional approaches in mild cognitive impairment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021;122:143–164.
4. Zvěřová M. Clinical aspects of Alzheimer’s disease. Clin Biochem 2019;72:3–6.
5. McEwen BS, Nasca C, Gray JD. Stress Effects on Neuronal Structure: Hippocampus, Amygdala, and Prefrontal Cortex. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016;41:3–23.
6. Zuccato C, Cattaneo E. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in neurodegenerative diseases. Nat Rev Neurol 2009;5:311–322.
7. Lu B, Nagappan G, Lu Y. BDNF and synaptic plasticity, cognitive function, and dysfunction. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2014;220:223–250.
8. Kim JK, Kim YH, Lee HH, Lim SS, Park KW. Effect of Scrophularia buergeriana extract on the degranulation of mast cells and ear swelling induced by dinitrofluorobenzene in mice. Inflammation 2011;35:183–191.
9. Jeong EJ, Ma CJ, Lee KY, Kim SH, Sung SH, Kim YC. KD-501, a standardized extract of Scrophularia buergeriana has both cognitive-enhancing and antioxidant activities in mice given scopolamine. J Ethnopharmacol 2009;121:98–105.
10. Lee HJ, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis A, Margina D, Izotov BN, Yang SH. Neuroprotective effects of Scrophularia buergeriana extract against glutamate-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Int J Mol Med 2019;43:2144–2152.
11. Lee HJ, Lee DY, Kim HL, Yang SH. Scrophularia buergeriana extract improves memory impairment via Inhibition of the apoptosis pathway in the mouse hippocampus. Appl Sci 2020;10:7987.
12. Lee HJ, Kim HL, Lee DY, Lee DR, Choi BK, Yang SH. Scrophularia buergeriana extract (Brainon) improves scopolamine-induced neuronal impairment and cholinergic dysfunction in mice through CREB-BDNF Signaling Pathway. Appl Sci 2021;11:4286.
13. Kang Y, Jin JH, Na DL. A Normative Study of the Digit Span Test for the Elderly. Kor J Clin Psychol 2002;21:911–922.
14. Hong YJ, Yang DW, Yoon B, et al. One-year follow-up pilot study for dementia diagnosis in elderly with recall score of 0 in Korean-version of Mini-Mental State Examination. J Korean Geriatr Soc 2014;12:16–23.
15. Shin JH. Diagnosis of Dementia: Neuropsychological Test. Korean J Fam Med 2010;31:253–266.
16. Lukasik KM, Waris O, Soveri A, Lehtonen M, Laine M. The Relationship of Anxiety and Stress With Working Memory Performance in a Large Non-depressed Sample. Front Psychol 2019;10:4.
17. Kim YH. Differences of the visuospatial ability, memory and executive function according to age groups of normal adults. Kor J Health Psychol 2008;13:253–265.
18. Lee CH, Song JK, Kim JH, Choi MJ, Namkoong K. Impairment of Neurocognitive Functions in Young Alcohol Dependent Patients: Problem Solving and Executive Functions. J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc 2002;41:1049–1058.
19. Chu SK, Yoo JH. The Effects of Perceived Stress on Cognition in the Community Elderly. J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs 2008;19:368–377.
20. Stephens S, Kenny RA, Rowan E and et al. Association between mild vascular cognitive impairment and impaired activities of daily living in older stroke survivors without dementia. J Am Geriat Soc 2005;53:103–107.
21. Naugle RI, Kawczak K. Limitations of the Mini-Mental State Examination. Cleve Clin J Med 1989;56:277–281.
22. Grigoletto F, Zappala G, Anderson DW, Lebowitz BD. Norms for the Mini-Mental State Examination in a healthy population. Neurology 1999;53:315–320.
23. Lee YN, Kwon HK, Kang YK, Pyun SB. Impact of Cognitive Function on Functional Recovery during Rehabilitation in Patients with Stroke. Brain NeuroRehabil 2011;4:103–109.
24. Cheong SS, Woo JM, Kim E, Yeon BK, Hong KS. Development of Korean Auditory Verbal Learning Test. J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc 1999;38:1016–1025.
25. Geffen GM, Butterworth P, Forrester GM, Geffen LB. Auditory verbal learning test components as measures of the severity of closed-head injury. Brain Inj 1994;8:405–411.