Memory Enhancing Effects of Gastrodia elata Extract in a Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficit Model

Gastrodia elata (GE), a traditional medicinal herb rich in gastrodin, is known for its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the effects of standardized GE extract on scopolamine-induced memory impairment and its underlying mechanisms. Various concentrations of GE extract administration significantly improved learning and memory performance in the Morris Water Maze and Barnes Maze tests. GE extract also reduced hippocampal acetylcholinesterase activity elevated by scopolamine, restored BDNF(Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) expression and CREB(Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding protein) phosphorylation, and normalized MAPK(Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase) signaling through decreased ERK(Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinase) and JNK(c-Jun N-terminal Kinase) activation. GE extracts also suppressed scopolamine-induced increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines. These effects were most prominent in the GE200(200mg/kg GE extracts) and GE500(500mg/kg GE extracts) groups and were comparable to donepezil. These findings suggest that Gastrodia elata extract ameliorates scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits through cholinergic enhancement, neuroplasticity support, MAPK regulation, and anti-inflammatory actions.