Anti-aging effects of moxa cone moxibustion As a free radical scavenger complement

摘要

Therapies that complement free radical scavenging are an important approach for treating aging in the brain.In the present study,two formulations of moxa cone moxibustion were applied at acupoints Zusanli (ST 36) and Xuanzhong (GB 39),and at acupoints Baihui (DU 20) and Guanyuan (RN 4),in D-galactose-induced senile mice.The results revealed that moxa cone moxibustion improved total superoxide dismutase and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase activity in the homogenates of the cerebral tissue,as well as ameliorating deficits in neuronal morphology and neuronal density in the cerebral cortex and hippocampal CA3.Moxa cone moxibustion also enhanced learning and memory functions of senile mice.Moxa cone moxibustion at Zusanli,Xuanzhong,Baihui and Guanyuan acupoints can thus be used to complement free radical scavengers,with efficacy that is equal to that of electroacupuncture at Zusanli and Xuanzhong,and superior to that of nimodipine treatment.