Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra and Polygonum Multiflorum Radix preparata medicinal pair (RSSW) formula on delaying aging and related pathological changes in senescence-accelerated prone 8 (SAMP8) mice. Methods Six-month-old SAMP8 mice and normal aging control mice (senescence accelerated mouse/resistant 1, SAMR1) were used. Mice were divided into five groups including the SAMR1 control group, the SAMP8 model group, the SAMP8 + RSSW low-dose group (117 mg·kg^-1, L-Dose), the SAMP8+RSSW high-dose group (234 mg·kg^-1, H-Dose), and the donepezil group (1.3 mg·kg^-1). Each group consisted of 12 animals. RSSW was administered orally for 60 consecutive days. Aging scores were recorded while balance and motor abilities were evaluated using the novel object recognition and the rotarod tests. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to analyze the morphological changes in organ tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure Aβ deposition in the cerebrospinal fluid and hippocampus. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses quantified p21, p53 mRNA and protein expressions in cortical tissues. Body weight and visceral parameters were recorded, including antioxidant capacity (superoxide dismutase [SOD] activity, glutathione [GSH], and malondialdehyde [MDA] contents) and anti-inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels) in the heart, liver, lung, and kidney of mice. Immune indexes were detected using flow cytometry. Results Compared with control mice, recognition indexes and motor ability were significantly reduced in SAMP8 mice but the administration of RSSW improved memory and motor performance. RSSW effectively reversed the damage to hippocampal tissues, reduced Aβ deposition in cerebrospinal fluid, decreased p21 and p53 mRNA and protein expressions, protected against organ damage, ameliorated atrophy of immune organs and brains, enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity in the heart, liver, lung and kidney, and lowered the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio in the spleen, thereby improving immune function and delaying aging. Conclusion RSSW can improve cognitive impairment and delay pathological changes associated with aging.

Key words: Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra and Polygonum Multiflorum Radix preparata medicinal pair, Anti-aging, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Immunity, Mice