The effects of the botanical estrogen, isoliquiritigenin on delayed spatial alternation

Publication date: March–April 2018 Source:Neurotoxicology and Teratology, Volume 66 Author(s): Payel Kundu, Steven L. Neese, Suren Bandara, Supida Monaikul, William G. Helferich, Daniel R. Doerge, Ikhlas A. Khan, Susan L. Schantz Age-related declines in cognitive function can impair working memory, reduce speed of processing, and alter attentional resources. In particular, menopausal women may show an acceleration in the rate of cognitive decline as well as an increased vulnerability to brain diseases as estrogens may play a neuroprotective and neurotrophic role in the brain. To treat menopausal symptoms, many women turn to botanical estrogens that are promoted as a safe and natural alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy. However, the majority of these compounds have not been systematically evaluated for efficacy and safety. The current study investigated the efficacy of the commercially available botanical estrogenic compound isoliquiritigenin (ISL) to alter performance on an operant working memory task, delayed spatial alternation (DSA). ISL is a compound found in licorice root that has been shown to have a wide range of effects on different biological systems, including estrogenic properties. This botanical is currently being used in over the counter dietary supplements. Middle-aged (12-month old) Long-Evans female rats were ovariectomized and orally dosed with either 0 mg, 6 mg, 12 mg or 24 mg of ISL 60 min before testing on the DSA t...
Source: Neurotoxicology and Teratology - Category: Toxicology Source Type: research