Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe effects of Naofucong grain on learning and memory in cerebral ischemic mice, and identify the mechanisms on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor.MethodsExperimental dementia mice were induced by ischemia reperfusion injury, and treated with Naofucong grain or Dangguishaoyao powder (positive control medicine). Learning and memory were tested in the Morris water maze. Activities of NMDA receptor in brain cortex and hippocampus were detected ResultsIncubation periods of mice treated with Naofucong grain were significantly shorter than that of ischemic model mice (P<0.01) Activities of NMDA receptor in brain cortex and hippocampus showed no difference between Naofucong grain treated mice and normal mice (P>0.05)Activities of NMDA receptor in brain cortex and hippocampus in Naofucong grain treated mice were significantly lower than that in ischemic model mice(P<0.01) ConclusionThe improvement of Naofucong grain in the memory and learning in cerebral ischemic mice may be related to the inhibition of the activity of NMDA receptor.

Key words: Naofucong, traditional Chinese medicine, ischemia and reperfusion injury, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor