Abstract: AIM: To observe the effect and mechanism of Chinese traditional medicine JianNao mixture on function of learning and memory in memory disorder mice. METHODS: Step down test, step through test and “Y” maze test were used to examine the function of learning and memory in memory disorder mice induced by scopolamine, sodium nitrite and alcohol, and in dementia model mice induced by D-galactose and aluminum chloride. Cholinesterase activity in brain, LPO and SOD in blood were measured. RESULTS: JianNao mixture could promote both the learning and memory function in impaired acquisition, consolidation and retrieval of memory in memory disorder mice induced by scopolamine, sodium nitrite and alcohol, respectively. It also could reduce wrong times and prolong latency in mice' s step through test, depress cholinesterase activity of brain in aluminum chloride model mice, reduce wrong times in mice' s “Y” maze test, enhance SOD activity of whole blood and decrease LPO content of brain in D-galactose model mice. CONCLUSION: JianNao mixture can improve the function of learning and memory in memory disorder mice. The mechanism may be due to improve the cholinergic function and the balance of free radical in vivo.

Key words: JianNao mixture, memory disorder, cholinesterase, aluminum chloride, D-galactose