Objective: To observe the effect of chrysophanol and donepezil on the ability of learning and memory and the activity of choline acetyltransterase (ChE)

cholinesterase (ChAT)

peroxidase (POD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the AD rat's brain

and then discuss the preventive and treatment effect of chrysophanol and donepezi on AD rat. Method: The AD model was produced by injecting D-galactose and AlCl3 intraperitoneally for 90 days. Rats were randomly divided into normal group

model group

chrysophanol group (0.14 mg·kg-1)

donepezil group (0.33 mg·kg-1)

chrysophanol joint donepezil groups (chrysophanol 0.14 mg·kg-1+donepezil 0.33 mg·kg-1

chrysophanol 0.07 mg·kg-1+donepezil 0.66 mg·kg-1

chrysophanol 0.28 mg·kg-1+donepezil 0.17 mg·kg-1). From the 20th day of D-galactose and AlCl3 intraperitoneal injection

chrysophanol and Donepezil were intragastric administrated respectively for 70 days. The learning and memory ability of each group rats were observed by Morris water maze. The activity of ChE

ChAT

POD and T-AOC in the AD rat's brain were determinated. Result: Rats intragastric administration with chrysophanol

donepezil and chrysophanol joint donepezil had shorter latency(P<0.05

P<0.01)and more numbers through the platform (P<0.05

P<0.01). Compared with chrysophanol group and donepezil group

rats in chrysophanol joint donepezil group (chrysophanol 0.28 mg·kg-1+donepezil 0.17 mg·kg-1) had shorter latency(P<0.05)and more numbers through the platform (P<0.05). Compared with the model group

the activity of ChAT

POD and T-AOC in the chrysophanol group

donepezil group and chrysophanol joint donepezil groups rat's brain elevated significantly(P<0.05)

those of the chrysophanol joint donepezil group(chrysophanol 0.28 mg·kg-1+donepezil 0.17 mg·kg-1) elevated significantly(P<0.01). The activity of ChE reduced(P<0.05). Conclusion: Chrysophanol joint donepezil can improve the learning and memory ability of AD rats

their effects were collaborative. The effect is associated with their doses. Chrysophanol supplemented by donepezil may get a better effect on Alzheimer's disease.