Zhong Yao Cai. 2001 Oct; 24(10): 728-30.

[Effect of Rheum palmatum decoction on increasing intelligence]

Zhang Q, Zhang C, Wang J, Guan L, Yu H.

Anhui College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefer 230038.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the nootropic effect of Rheum palmatum decoction in mice. METHOD: Step-down test. RESULTS: Rheum palmatum decoction could increase learning and memory ability of old mice and also improve the impairments of memory acquisition, memory consolidation and memory retrieval induced by scopalamine, NaNO2 and 40% EtOH respectively in mice. CONCLUSION: Rheum palmatum decoction contains the substances of increasing intelligence which may be substantial basis of the decoctions mainly containing Rheum palmatum theraping aphasia from apoplexy, senile dysmnesis, sequel from brain trauma, etc.