TCM shows efficacy in reducing brain inflammation associated with PTSD

Researchers at Kyung Hee University, Chung-Ang University, and Gachon University in South Korea looked at the efficacy of Aralia continentalis extract on cognitive memory and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They published their findings in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

• The researchers aimed to develop a novel treatment for trauma-associated disorders like PTSD, a disease associated with the experience of traumatic stress.
• The traumatic experience results in the development of a prolonged stress response that impairs memory function and increases inflammation in the hippocampus.
• A. continentalis is traditionally used in oriental medicine. It has been reported to possess pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-diabetic effects.
• However, its effects on cognitive memory and PTSD are not yet fully understood.
• For the study, the researchers evaluated the effect of A. continentalis on spatial cognitive impairment caused by single prolonged stress in a rat model of PTSD.
• They first induced chronic stress in rats, then treated them with different doses of A. continentalis for 21 consecutive days.
• Treatment with 100 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of A. continentalis inhibited cognitive impairment caused by single prolonged stress.
• It also significantly reduced memory-related reductions in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA and protein levels in the hippocampus.
• Overall, A. continentalis substantially inhibited the cognitive deficits caused by single prolonged stress.

These findings suggested that A. continentalis reversed the behavioral impairments and inflammation triggered by single prolonged stress-derived traumatic stress, indicating its potential as a treatment for PTSD.

Visit BrainFunction.news to learn more about natural medicines for improving brain health.

Journal Reference:

Lee B, et al. THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ARALIA CONTINENTALIS AMELIORATES COGNITIVE DEFICITS VIA MODIFICATIONS OF BDNF EXPRESSION AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS IN A RAT MODEL OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 8 January 2019; 19(1). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2417-0