BT-11 Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow roots

[Swarfmaker]

BT-11 is effective for enhancing cognitive functions in the elderly
humans
Neurosci Lett. 2009 Nov 13;465(2):157-9. Epub 2009 Aug 20.

Shin KY, Lee JY, Won BY, Jung HY, Chang KA, Koppula S, Suh YH.
Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Creative
Research Initiative Center for Alzheimer's Dementia and Neuroscience
Research Institute, MRC, Seoul National University, 28 Yeongeon-dong,
Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea.

Abstract

Roots of Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow have been used in humans for
centuries because of its sedative effects. We previously reported that
BT-11, extracted from the roots of the plant, improved memory
impairments in rats, enhanced memory in normal humans, and inhibited
acetylcholinesterase activities in vitro.

The present study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
comparison study to investigate whether BT-11 could enhance memory in
the elderly humans.

We used the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease
Assessment Packet (CERAD) and the Mini-Mental State Examination
(MMSE).

In the elderly, the total CERAD scores were much more significantly
increased in the BT-11-treated group (n=28) than in the placebo-
treated group (n=25). Especially, the mean scores of word list
recognition, constructional recall and praxis, and modified Boston
naming test were markedly improved in BT-11-treated group than in
placebo-treated group.

In conclusion, BT-11 could enhance some cognitive functions including
memory in the elderly humans and therefore may be used as
nutraceuticals that provide health benefits, including disease
prevention and/or treatment.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19699261
PMID: 19699261[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]



Effects of BT-11 on memory in healthy humans.
Neurosci Lett. 2009 Apr 24;454(2):111-4. Epub 2009 Mar 11.

Lee JY, Kim KY, Shin KY, Won BY, Jung HY, Suh YH.

Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Boramae Hospital,
Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Abstract

We previously reported that BT-11, the extract of dried roots of
Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow, had neuroprotective effects and
improved scopolamine- and stress-induced amnesia in rats. It also
blocked the activity of acetylcholinesterase and enhanced glucose
utilization in the rat brain.

Therefore, we examined whether BT-11 could enhance memory in healthy
humans.

This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
parallel-group study of BT-11 in healthy adults.

The participants were given capsules of BT-11 or placebo 3 times daily
for 4 weeks.

The Korean version of the California Verbal Learning Test (K-CVLT) and
the Self-Ordered Pointing Test (SOPT) were used to assess verbal
memory and working memory, respectively.

The subjects in BT-11-treated group showed more significant increases
in immediate recall on the K-CVLT than those in the placebo-treated
group.

In a comparison within each group, the subjects' scores on most
subtests of the K-CVLT were significantly increased by both placebo
and BT-11 treatment.

Interestingly, the subjects' scores on the recognition subtest of the
K-CVLT were significantly increased by BT-11 treatment but not by
placebo treatment.

Also, BT-11 treatment significantly reduced the number of errors on
the SOPT, whereas placebo treatment did not.

We are the first to show that BT-11 has memory-enhancing effects and
may be a memory-enhancing drug in healthy adults.

PMID: 19429065 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19429065