MEMORY EFFECTS OF STANDARDIZED EXTRACTS OF PANAX-GINSENG (G115), GINKGO-BILOBA (GK-501) AND THEIR COMBINATION GINCOSAN(R) (PHL-00701)

In experiments on young (aged 3 months and old (aged 26 months) rats, using some conditioned-reflex methods with punishment or positive rein forcement for active and passive avoidance (shuttle-box, step-down, st ep-through, and water maze), we studied the effects of the standardize d extracts of Panax ginseng (G115), Ginkgo biloba (GK501) and their co mbination Gincosan(R) (PHL-00701). The extracts were administered oral ly for 7 days before training at three increasing doses: 17, 50, and 1 50 mg/kg for G115; 10, 30, and 90 mg/kg for GK501; and 27, 80, and 240 mg/kg for PHL-00701. The two extracts and their combination improved the retention of learned behavior. This effect varied considerably wit h the extracts, with the dose and with the behavioral method used. The results suggest that the Panax ginseng G115 and the Ginkgo biloba GK5 01 extracts possess properties similar in every respect to those of no otropic drugs. The favorable effects on learning and memory of the com bination of G115 plus GK501 and the other pharmacological activities i nherent in the extracts characterize this combination, offered as Ginc osan(R) as a particularly promising drug in geriatric practice.