Brain aging is the main manifestation of nervous system senescence, and is clinically represented by reduced learning and memory capacities and slowed reactions. Several studies have shown that Chinese medicines can effectively slow these processes. For example, polysaccharides from Schisandra chinensis have anti-aging effects, while Buyang Huanwu decoction can effectively improve cerebral blood flow and hemorheology, and protect the brain from ischemic injury in elderly patients. In addition, EGB761, an extract from the Ginkgo biloba leaf, has been shown to improve the learning and memory of aging rats.
In this issue of NRR, three studies investigated the anti-aging and cerebroprotective effects of Chinese medicine using different doses to treat a rat model of aging, aged rats following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, and D-galactose-induced aging-brain mouse model through the use of behaviors, morphology, cytology and electrophysiology.

? Effects of GBE50 on hippocampal CA1 synaptic plasticity, learning and memory in an experimental rat model of aging
Neural Regen Res. 2011;6(12):892-897.
       
? Effect of Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide on intracerebral acetylcholinesterase and monoamine neurotransmitters in a D-galactose-induced aging brain mouse model
Neural Regen Res. 2010;4(9):687-693.

? Effects of Buyang Huanwu decoction on cell proliferation and differentiation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of aged rats following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion
Neural Regen Res. 2009;4(5):390-395.