Objective:To examine the effects of Fuzhisan(FZS) on the AD model rats induced by injection β-amyloid(Aβ1-40) to the hippocampus.Methods:The AD model of rats was established by injection of Aβ1-40 to the hippocampus.The cognitive ability of the AD model rats was detected by the Morris water amaze test.The activities of acetylcholinesterase(AchE) and choline acetyltransferase(ChAT) in the hippocampus were examined by the colorimetric method;the acetylcholine(Ach) content was examined by the alk aline hydroxylamine colorimetric method.Results:The Chinese herbal midicine FZS not only effectively improved the learning and memory abilities of the AD model rats

in the water maze test

but also ameliorated the decline ChAT activity and Ach content in the hippocampus

and decrease the elevated AchE activity

The FZS was dose-dependently effective in the therapy of AD in rats ranging from 0.3 to 1.2 g·kg-1

however it allowed an optimal therapeutic effect at the dosage of 1.2 g·kg-1.Conclusion:The FZS compounds regulate and ameliorate the cholinergic functions of the AD-model rats

thereby achieve its therapeutic effect.