Gypenoside LXXIV (G-74), a major constituent of GYNOSTEMMA PENTAPHYLLUM Makino (GP; family Cucurbitaceae), was isolated and its memory-enhancing effects were investigated in scopolamine-treated mice in passive-avoidance and Morris water maze tests. G-74 potently reversed memory impairment caused by scopolamine. G-74 also significantly shortened the scopolamine-prolonged escape latencies in the Morris water maze test (p < 0.05) and increased the scopolamine-shortened swimming time within the platform quadrant (p < 0.05). Based on these findings, G-74 might improve learning deficits.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart New York.