Use Of Cynomorium Tannins And Cistanche Flavonoids in The Preparation Of A Medicament For Treating Senile Dementia
Nov 02, 2026
Abstract
This invention discloses the use of Cynomorium tannins and Cistanche flavonoids in the preparation of a medicament for treating senile dementia, belonging to the field of pharmaceutical technology. After the combined use of Cynomorium tannins and Cistanche flavonoids, a synergistic and potentiating effect is achieved in the treatment of senile dementia, and the pharmacological activity is significantly improved. This invention provides a new option for clinical medication in the treatment of senile dementia.
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Claims
1. A pharmaceutical composition for treating and/or preventing senile dementia, characterized in that it is made from Cynomorium tannins and Cistanche flavonoids, wherein the mass ratio of Cynomorium tannins to Cistanche flavonoids is 28:40.
2. Use of the pharmaceutical composition according to Claim 1 in the preparation of a medicament for treating and/or preventing senile dementia.
3. A medicament for treating and/or preventing senile dementia, characterized in that it is prepared from the pharmaceutical composition according to Claim 1 and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
Use of Cynomorium Tannins and Cistanche Flavonoids in the Preparation of a Medicament for Treating Senile Dementia
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of pharmaceutical technology, and specifically relates to the use of Cynomorium tannins and Cistanche flavonoids in the preparation of a medicament for treating senile dementia.
Background
[0002] Alzheimer's disease (Alzheimer's disease, AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that begins with decline in episodic memory and is accompanied by cognitive dysfunction. Its incidence is closely related to aging, and it is the most common type of senile dementia, accounting for 50%–75%. After the age of 65, the probability of developing senile dementia doubles approximately every 5 years. Statistics indicate that there are about 440 million people suffering from senile dementia worldwide today, and this number is expected to increase threefold by 2050. In the United States, the annual cost of dementia treatment exceeds USD 600 billion. In the UK and Wales, AD is the leading cause of death among older adults, accounting for 11.6% of total deaths. The prevalence of AD is higher in women than in men, and increases with age. In China, the prevalence of AD is as high as 4.8%, showing regional differences: the number of patients in the south is significantly lower than in the north, and the age of onset in the east is significantly lower than in the west. In summary, AD has brought a serious economic burden to society and families and has become an urgent healthcare issue that cannot be ignored in China and worldwide.
[0003] At present, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for AD in clinical practice cannot meet clinicians' requirements and patients' compliance needs. On one hand, traditional AD drugs-acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (such as rivastigmine, galantamine, and donepezil), NMDA receptor antagonists (memantine), and 5-hydroxytryptamine-related drugs used to control emotional symptoms-can only relieve symptoms to some extent and have limited impact on disease progression. In recent years, biologics represented by anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies such as aducanumab show significant effects in early-stage patients, but their adverse effects are obvious and their costs are high, which also limits their clinical application. Traditional Chinese patent medicines often have a slow onset and may not meet the needs of some patients with major comorbidities who require rapid recovery and prevention of secondary diseases. Therefore, reducing cognitive impairment and improving the decline in activities of daily living are key to ensuring the clinical efficacy of AD medication and improving quality of life in an aging population. Research and development of anti-aging and cognition-enhancing natural medicines from traditional Chinese herbs with clear material basis, definite efficacy, and minimal adverse effects is urgently needed.
[0004] Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. is a perennial holoparasitic herb of the family Cynomoriaceae, typically parasitizing the roots of plants in the genus Nitraria (Zygophyllaceae). The medicinal material Cynomorium (Herba Cynomorii) is the dried fleshy stem of Cynomorium, and it is used as a whole herb in Mongolian medicine. It was first recorded in Bencao Yanyi Buyi and is also known as "Suoyang," with its name derived from its purported function of "locking yang qi and maintaining vigor," and it has also been called an "anti-aging herb" (Pharmacology of Chinese Medicines). Cynomorium is sweet and astringent in taste and slightly warm in nature; it is considered non-toxic and is associated with the liver, kidney, and large intestine meridians. It is traditionally used to tonify kidney yang, nourish essence and blood, and moisten the intestines to relieve constipation, and is commonly used for kidney yang deficiency, deficiency of essence and blood, infertility, weakness of the腰膝 (waist and knees), and constipation due to intestinal dryness. Clinical data indicate that many classical AD-related formulas-such as Yizhi Jiannao Granules, Dihuang Yinzi, Huanshaodan, and Guilingji-contain Cynomorium, with clear effects in replenishing essence, benefiting the kidneys, generating marrow, and improving cognition. Modern studies indicate that the main pharmacologically active constituents of Cynomorium include saponins, triterpenes, steroids, polysaccharides, and tannins.
[0005] Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma (and Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) Wight) is the dried fleshy stem with scale leaves from plants of the family Orobanchaceae. Cistanche was first recorded in Shennong Bencao Jing and is indicated for "five strains and seven injuries," tonifying the middle, relieving cold-heat pain in the stem, nourishing the five zang organs, regulating yin, benefiting qi, and treating abdominal masses in women. It is sweet and salty in taste and warm in nature, associated with the kidney and large intestine meridians. According to Compendium of Materia Medica and Rihuazi Materia Medica, it can be used for kidney yang deficiency, deficiency of essence and blood, cold pain in the腰膝 (waist and knees), tinnitus and blurred vision, leukorrhea/turbid discharge, frequent urination, uterine bleeding, infertility, and constipation due to intestinal dryness. Modern studies show that Cistanche is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for brain and neurological disorders: it tonifies the kidneys and replenishes essence, calms internal wind and unblocks collaterals, promotes angiogenesis and recovery of neurological function, nourishes brain cells, and supports brain function, showing notable effects on improving brain aging and AD-related cognitive impairment. Its major active constituents include phenylethanoid glycosides, iridoids, lignans, alkaloids, and flavonoids.
[0006] Currently, there have been no reports on combining active components from Cynomorium with active components from Cistanche for the treatment of senile dementia.
Summary of the Invention
[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new pharmaceutical application of Cynomorium tannins and Cistanche flavonoids, namely their use in the preparation of a medicament for treating and/or preventing senile dementia. Another purpose is to provide a pharmaceutical composition for treating and/or preventing senile dementia.
[0008] The present invention provides the use of Cynomorium tannins and Cistanche flavonoids in the preparation of a medicament for treating and/or preventing senile dementia. The mass ratio of Cynomorium tannins to Cistanche flavonoids is preferably 1–45 : 1–150, more preferably 12–24 : 35–60, and most preferably 28 : 40.
[0009] The present invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition for treating and/or preventing senile dementia, comprising Cynomorium tannins and Cistanche flavonoids. The mass ratio is preferably 1–45 : 1–150, more preferably 12–24 : 35–60, and most preferably 28 : 40.
[0010] The present invention further provides the use of the above pharmaceutical composition in the preparation of a medicament for treating and/or preventing senile dementia.
[0011] The present invention further provides the use of the above pharmaceutical composition in the preparation of a medicament having cognition-enhancing effects.
[0012] The present invention further provides a medicament for treating and/or preventing senile dementia or enhancing cognition, comprising the above pharmaceutical composition and optionally pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The medicament may be an oral dosage form or an injectable dosage form. By mixing Cynomorium tannins and Cistanche flavonoids with excipients and following conventional formulation processes, oral or injectable formulations can be prepared. For example, after mixing with common excipients acceptable in oral formulations-such as disintegrants, lubricants, diluents, binders, and fillers-tablets, capsules, soft capsules, granules, pills, and other oral solid dosage forms can be prepared using standard processes. After mixing with common solubilizers, emulsifiers, wetting agents, diluents, preservatives, stabilizers, and flavoring agents, oral liquid dosage forms such as solutions and syrups can be prepared using standard processes.
[0013] When Cynomorium tannins are used in combination with Cistanche flavonoids, a synergistic and potentiating effect is produced in the treatment of senile dementia, significantly improving pharmacological activity and providing a new option for clinical medication.
Description of Figures (Converted to English Tables)
Note: Because the original figures are referenced but not numerically provided here, the following tables capture directional changes and statistical comparisons exactly as described in the figure legends and results section.
Table 1. Figure 1 - Escape Latency in the Morris Water Maze (AD Mice)
Legend conversion: Compared with normal group: P < 0.01; compared with model group: P < 0.05 / P < 0.01; compared with Cynomorium tannins group (Group 10): P < 0.05; compared with Cistanche flavonoids group (Group 9): P < 0.05.
| Comparison | Outcome (Escape Latency) | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Model group vs Normal group | Increased (worse) | P < 0.01 |
| Combination Groups 1–10 vs Model group | Decreased (improved) | P < 0.05 (all); Group 7: P < 0.01 |
| Combination Groups 1–8 vs Cynomorium tannins only (Group 10) | Trend toward lower latency | Group 7: P < 0.05 |
| Combination Groups 1–8 vs Cistanche flavonoids only (Group 9) | Trend toward lower latency | Group 7: P < 0.05 |
Table 2. Figure 2 - Number of Platform Crossings (Probe Trial)
| Comparison | Outcome (Platform Crossings) | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Model group vs Normal group | Decreased (worse) | P < 0.01 |
| Combination Groups 1–10 vs Model group | Increased (improved) | P < 0.05 (all); Group 7: P < 0.01 |
| Combination Groups 1–8 vs Cynomorium tannins only / Cistanche flavonoids only | Trend toward higher crossings | Group 7: P < 0.05 |
Table 3. Figure 3 - Brain AChE Activity
| Comparison | Outcome (AChE Activity) | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Model group vs Normal group | Increased (worse) | P < 0.01 |
| Combination Groups 1–10 vs Model group | Decreased (improved) | P < 0.05 (all); Group 7: P < 0.01 |
| Combination Groups 1–8 vs single-agent groups (Group 10 / Group 9) | Trend toward lower activity | Group 7: P < 0.05 |
Table 4. Figure 4 - Brain ChAT Activity
| Comparison | Outcome (ChAT Activity) | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Model group vs Normal group | Decreased (worse) | P < 0.01 |
| Combination Groups 1–10 vs Model group | Increased (improved) | P < 0.05 or P < 0.01; Group 7: P < 0.01 (largest increase) |
| Combination Groups 1–8 vs single-agent groups (Group 10 / Group 9) | Trend toward higher activity | Group 7: P < 0.05 |
Table 5. Figure 5 - Brain ACh Content
| Comparison | Outcome (ACh Content) | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Model group vs Normal group | Decreased (worse) | P < 0.01 |
| Combination Groups 1–10 vs Model group | Increased (improved) | P < 0.05 or P < 0.01; Group 7: P < 0.01 (largest increase) |
| Combination Groups 1–8 vs single-agent groups (Group 10 / Group 9) | Trend toward higher content | Group 7: P < 0.05 |
Detailed Description / Embodiments
[0019] In preliminary research, the present invention compared the anti-dementia effects of multiple pairwise combinations of major active components from Cynomorium and Cistanche (e.g., Cynomorium saponins + Cistanche phenylethanoid glycosides; Cynomorium saponins + Cistanche iridoids; …; Cynomorium triterpenes + Cistanche phenylethanoid glycosides; Cynomorium triterpenes + Cistanche iridoids, etc.). The results showed that, under the same ratio conditions, the combination of Cynomorium tannins + Cistanche flavonoids exhibited the best therapeutic effect compared with other combinations.
[0020] The present invention is further described below with reference to examples and test examples; however, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.
Test Example 1: Pharmacodynamic Study of the Medicament in Treating Senile Dementia
1. Experimental Materials
[0047] 1.1 Herbal materials: Cynomorium tannins were purchased from Shaanxi Changyue Phytochemistry Technology Co., Ltd.; Cistanche flavonoids were purchased from Nanjing Puyi Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
[0048] 1.2 Positive control drug: Donepezil hydrochloride.
[0049] 1.3 Experimental animals: SPF-grade C57 mice.
[0050] 1.4 Chemical reagents: Human Aβ1–42 peptide; normal saline; assay kits for acetylcholinesterase (AChE), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and acetylcholine (ACh), purchased from Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute.
[0051] 1.5 Instruments: Morris water maze (XR-XM101), microplate reader (Model 680), tissue homogenizer (H09028).
2. Methods
2.1 Dose-Ratio Design of Drug Groups
[0054] To comprehensively and efficiently optimize the best compatibility and dosage ratio while minimizing the number of experiments, this study used an equal-ratio baseline method for prescription design. With reference to the effective dose ranges for improving platform latency in the water maze in senile dementia mice (Cynomorium tannins: 4–45 mg; Cistanche flavonoids: 30–150 mg) as the baseline, the dose of Cistanche flavonoids was decreased by 8–28% while the dose of Cynomorium tannins was increased by 8–28%, or the dose of Cynomorium tannins was decreased by 8–38% while the dose of Cistanche flavonoids was increased by 8–38% to expand to both sides, and finally expanded to the extremes, where the two extremes were Cistanche flavonoids alone and Cynomorium tannins alone. Several ratio groups of the two drugs were set up. Based on primary and secondary effects as evaluation indicators and through comprehensive information analysis, ratio optimization was conducted. The ratios are shown in Table 1.
Note: The original text references "Table 1" for detailed ratios, but the actual table content is not included in your message. If you paste the original "Table 1", I can translate and format it into a clean English table.
2.2 Pharmacological Screening for the Optimal Dose Ratio
2.2.1 Preparation of test solutions
[0060] According to the dosage combinations in Table 1, Cistanche flavonoids and Cynomorium tannins for Dose Groups 1–10 were weighed, respectively, dissolved and mixed in 10 mL purified water to obtain solutions for Groups 1–10.
2.2.2 Establishment of the animal model
[0062] After anesthesia with ketamine (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection), a microsyringe was used to inject 5 μL aggregated Aβ1–42 (containing 410 pmol Aβ1–42) into the lateral ventricle at coordinates (taking Bregma as the origin: 0.3 mm posterior, 1 mm lateral, and 2.5 mm depth below the dura) as a single injection. The needle was retained for 2 minutes. Mice in the normal group received an equal volume of saline in the lateral ventricle. Aβ1–42 pre-treatment: dissolved in sterile saline and pre-incubated at 37°C for 120 h to form aggregates.
2.2.3 Grouping and administration
[0064] After modeling, animals were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a donepezil positive control group, and drug combination Groups 1–10, with 12 mice per group. After 3 days of adaptation, administration began. The normal and model groups received saline according to body weight; the donepezil group received donepezil (1.3 mg/kg/day). Each drug combination group received the corresponding dose by oral gavage at 0.25 mL/kg/day from the day of the experiment for 28 consecutive days. Animals were housed under constant temperature and humidity (24±1)∘C(24 \pm 1)^\circ\text{C}(24±1)∘C, (50±5)%(50 \pm 5)\%(50±5)%, with a 12-hour light cycle (08:00–20:00) and free access to food and water. Body weight was recorded daily during administration, and animal status was observed and recorded.
2.2.4 Specimen collection
[0066] After the last administration, mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Cardiac perfusion was performed using 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Brain tissue was harvested, immediately rinsed with pre-cooled saline and blotted dry, or snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −80∘C-80^\circ\text{C}−80∘C until analysis.
2.2.5 Indicators and assay methods
(1) Behavioral testing - Morris water maze
[0069] The Morris water maze is a sensitive test for spatial learning and memory impairment. The pool was 0.5 m high and 1.2 m in diameter. The platform was 10 cm in diameter. Water temperature was controlled at 21–22°C. The pool was divided into four equal quadrants. Before formal testing, each mouse received 2 training sessions per day, each lasting 2 minutes, for 4 days. In each training session, mice were released into the pool from different starting locations, and the time required to find and stand on the hidden platform (escape latency, in seconds) was recorded. If a mouse failed to find the platform within 60 seconds, it was gently guided to the platform and allowed to stand for 30 seconds; the escape latency was recorded as 60 seconds. On day 5 (probe trial), mice were released facing the pool wall from the same location in the quadrant opposite the platform, and the time to reach the platform location and the number of platform crossings were recorded.
(2) Cholinergic system assays
[0071] Brain tissues stored at −80∘C-80^\circ\text{C}−80∘C were thawed slowly at low temperature. An appropriate amount of tissue was weighed, and pre-cooled saline (9× tissue weight) was added. The tissue was homogenized 3 times for 2 minutes each at low temperature, then centrifuged at 3000 r/min at 4°C for 10 minutes. The supernatant was collected. ACh content and AChE and ChAT activities in brain tissue were measured following the instructions of the Nanjing Jiancheng assay kits.
2.3 Statistical Analysis
[0073] SPSS 17.0 software was used. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (x ± s). One-way ANOVA was used for comparisons between groups. If homogeneity of variance was met, LSD test was applied; otherwise, Tamhane's T2 test was used.
2.4 Results
[0076] (1) Effect on escape latency - see Table 1 (converted from Figure 1).
The model group showed significantly increased escape latency compared with the normal group. Compared with the model group, all combination groups (1–10) showed significantly decreased latency, with Group 7 showing the most significant reduction. Compared with single-agent groups (Cynomorium tannins only, Group 10; Cistanche flavonoids only, Group 9), Groups 1–8 showed a tendency toward improvement, and Group 7 was significantly better.
[0078] (2) Effect on number of platform crossings - see Table 2 (converted from Figure 2).
The model group showed significantly fewer platform crossings than the normal group. Compared with the model group, all combination groups (1–10) showed increased crossings, with Group 7 being the most significant. Compared with single-agent groups, Groups 1–8 tended to perform better, with Group 7 reaching significance.
[0080] (3) Effect on AChE activity - see Table 3 (converted from Figure 3).
AChE activity was significantly increased in the model group compared with the normal group. Compared with the model group, all combination groups (1–10) showed decreased AChE activity, with Group 7 showing the greatest reduction. Compared with single-agent groups, Groups 1–8 tended to improve, and Group 7 was significantly better.
[0082] (4) Effect on ChAT activity - see Table 4 (converted from Figure 4).
ChAT activity was significantly decreased in the model group compared with the normal group. Compared with the model group, all combination groups (1–10) showed increased ChAT activity, with Group 7 demonstrating the largest increase. Compared with single-agent groups, Groups 1–8 tended to improve, and Group 7 was significantly better.
[0084] (5) Effect on ACh content - see Table 5 (converted from Figure 5).
ACh content was significantly decreased in the model group compared with the normal group. Compared with the model group, all combination groups (1–10) showed increased ACh, with Group 7 showing the largest increase. Compared with single-agent groups, Groups 1–8 tended to improve, and Group 7 was significantly better.
3. Experimental Conclusion
[0087] (1) The above 10 ratio combinations of Cistanche flavonoids and Cynomorium tannins showed good therapeutic effects on cognitive impairment in mice with Aβ1–42-induced senile dementia, and the therapeutic effects of the combination were superior to those of Cistanche flavonoids or Cynomorium tannins used alone.
[0088] (2) The best ratio for treating senile dementia with the combination of Cistanche flavonoids and Cynomorium tannins was 40 mg : 28 mg.
[0089] The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection.
Blog-Ready Business Takeaways
Clear positioning: This formula focuses on cholinergic-system-related markers (AChE, ChAT, ACh) and behavioral performance (Morris water maze), aligning with mainstream AD supportive research directions.
Synergy highlight: The combination outperformed either single extract alone (Cynomorium tannins-only and Cistanche flavonoids-only), suggesting a "1+1>2" product story for formulations.
Best-performing ratio identified: The study identifies an optimal dose ratio of Cistanche flavonoids : Cynomorium tannins = 40 mg : 28 mg (mass ratio 40:28, equivalent to 28:40 when expressed as tannins:flavonoids).
Cistanche Extract Supplement For AD Treatment
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Product development angle: The invention allows multiple dosage forms (tablets, capsules, granules, syrups, injectables), which supports diversified SKU planning (bulk extracts, premix, finished products).
