Ameliorative effect of S-allylcysteine, a major thioallyl constituent in aged garlic extract, on learning deficits in senescence-accelerated mice

J Nutr. 2001 Mar;131(3s):1093S-5S. doi: 10.1093/jn/131.3.1093S.

Abstract

This study examined the effect of S:-allylcysteine (SAC), a major thioallyl compound found in aged garlic extract, on the memory deficit and age-related changes of senescence-accelerated mice. Senescence-accelerated prone P8 mice fed a diet supplemented with 40 mg SAC/kg diet for 8 mo had a significantly attenuated decrease in the conditioned avoidance response compared with those not given SAC. In the elevated plus-maze test using senescence-accelerated prone P10 mice, the percentage of time spent on the open arm was greater compared with the senescence-resistant control mice. Chronic dietary treatment with 40 mg SAC/kg diet decreased the time in the open arm in senescence-accelerated prone P10 mice. These studies suggest that diet supplementation with SAC may reduce age-related learning disabilities and cognitive disorders in senescence-accelerated mice.

MeSH terms

  • Aging / drug effects*
  • Aging / psychology
  • Animals
  • Avoidance Learning / drug effects
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Cysteine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Cysteine / pharmacology*
  • Cysteine / therapeutic use
  • Garlic / chemistry*
  • Garlic / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Maze Learning / drug effects
  • Memory Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Mice
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Plants, Medicinal*

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • S-allylcysteine
  • Cysteine