Page 291 - 2025中醫藥與天然藥物聯合學術研討會-中醫藥與天然藥物的挑戰Ｘ機遇與未來大會手冊

CM-24

Chinese herbal formulas attenuate cerebral edema and cognitive impairment

in an experimental model of high-altitude cerebral edema

Shu-Chun Liu, 1,2,3 De-Wei Lai *,4

1 Department of Chinese Medicine, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua,
Taiwan
2 Doctoral Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung,
Taiwan
3 Rong Hsing Translational Medicine Research Center, National Chung Hsing University,
Taichung, Taiwan
4 Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
* E-mail: deweilai123@gmail.com

Abstract
A murine model of high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) was successfully established by
acute hypobaric hypoxia (AHH) through mimic rapid ascent to 5,000 m. Compared with
controls, AHH-exposed mice exhibited pronounced cerebral edema, elevated brain water
content, and markedly increased blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, as evidenced by
methylene blue extravasation and histological analysis. Treatment with Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan
Decoction (LGZG), Rhodiola rosea, or Acetazolamide (Diamox) significantly attenuated
cerebral edema and reduced BBB leakage. Macroscopic brain observations and quantitative
measurements demonstrated that herbal-treated groups displayed significantly lower brain
water content and vascular permeability relative to untreated AHH mice (P < 0.05).
Hematoxylin–eosin staining further confirmed that these interventions mitigated neuronal
injury and inflammatory cell infiltration. Among the tested prescriptions, LGZG exerted the
most pronounced protective effects, supporting its potential utility in both prophylactic and
therapeutic contexts. Furthermore, Morris Water Maze testing and histopathological
assessments revealed that herbal treatments ameliorated cognitive deficits, alleviated tissue
injury, and improved the cerebral microenvironment under hypoxic stress. Collectively, these
findings demonstrate that LGZG exerts robust neuroprotective and vasoprotective effects
against AHH-induced brain injury, offering promising strategies for the prevention and
treatment of acute altitude sickness and HACE.

Keywords: High altitude cerebral edema; Acute hypobaric hypoxia; Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan
Decoction; Morris Water Maze