Abstract:
An extract of  Xanthoceras sorbifolia  Bunge, which comprises greater than 50 wt % saponin. Extraction of the extract of  Xanthoceras sorbifolia  Bunge and its uses in manufacturing medicaments for treating urinary incontinence and frequent micturition caused by senile dementia or bladder degradation, puerile enuresis, mental retardation for children, cerebral aging, middle-aged dementia and senile dementia, Parkinson&#39;s syndrome. Dosage forms include injection, tablet, capsule, soft capsule, oral solution or dripping pill.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract, methods for extraction, and uses thereof in preparation of drug for treatment of urinary incontinence and frequent micturition due to senile dementia or urinary bladder degradation, and children enuresis. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Shinyleaf yellowhorn, also known as Wenguanguo and Yanmugua, is the fruit of the perennial herb  Xanthoceras sorbifolia  Bunge (family: Soapberry; genus:  Xanthoceras ). The wild  Xanthoceras sorbifolia&#39;s  provenance is the northern part of China, currently  Xanthoceras sorbifolia  is mostly cultivated. Shinyleaf yellowhorn has been used mainly for the treatment of rheumarthritis, rheumatic calor intemus and dermal rheumatism, and was recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia in 1977. 
         [0003]    In recent years, Shinyleaf yellowhorn and its alcohol extract has been proven to improve the learning and memory functions, and has been used for treatment of mental retardation and senile dementia. Journal of Medicine &amp; Pharmacy of Chinese Minorities, 1997, vol. 3(1) reported a clinical observation of directly using dried Shinyleaf yellowhorn for treating 120 cases of enuresis. CN1092991A reported the use of alcohol extract of Shinyleaf yellowhorn for improving brain function, and preparation thereof. However, it is difficult to extract the saponins from Shinyleaf yellowhorn. The content of total saponins in Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract obtained by existing techniques is generally 18 to 28%, and that from Shinyleaf yellowhorn nutshells is 15 to 25% (see, CN1350001 ‘Nutshells for extraction of Shinyleaf yellowhorn saponin, crude fat, crude protein and sugar’). The existing method for evaluating the content of total saponins in Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract is poor in accuracy, which directly impeded dosage accuracy, quality control and therapeutic effect of the drugs. 
         [0004]    Because the chemical components of Shinyleaf yellowhorn are fairly complex, it is of great difficult to use the chromatographic technique, which is suitable for and widely adopted in industrial production, to obtain the high-content (&gt;50%) total saponins from Shinyleaf yellowhorn. Until now, there is yet no report about the preparation of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract containing high-content (&gt;50%) total saponins, nor method for the preparing Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract containing high-content total saponins by chromatographic technique. 
         [0005]    Currently, there is no safe, effective and eutherapeutic drug for the treatment of urinary incontinence and frequent micturition due to senile dementia or urinary bladder degradation, children enuresis and pediatric mental retardation, brain aging, and middle-age and senile dementia. The present invention has addressed the need by providing Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract as a plant pharmaceutical preparation that has good therapeutic effects with no toxic and side effects. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The purpose of the present invention is to provide a kind of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract with high content of total saponins. A second purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for the preparing said extract. Another purpose is to provide a method for measuring the content of total saponins in Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract. Still another purpose is to deal with the use of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract in the preparation of drugs for the treatment of the urinary incontinence and frequent micturition due to senile dementia or urinary bladder degradation, and children enuresis. Yet another purpose is to provide a method for treatment of the above diseases with the above extract. 
         [0007]    The above purposes are achieved by the following preferred embodiment: 
         [0008]    The present invention provides a kind of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract, comprising mainly the total saponins, which accounts for more than 50% of the gross weight of the dried Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract (more than 60% in preferred embodiment, more preferably more than 70%, most preferably more than 80%, and even up to 90% or more). Saponin B in the Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract accounts for more than 15%, more than 18% in preferred embodiment, more preferably more than 21%, based on the total weight of dried Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract. 
         [0009]    The present invention also provides a method for preparing the above extract. The present inventor found that, it is possible to obtain Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract containing more than 50% of total saponins by a unique extracting and refining technique. 
         [0010]    The method for preparing Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract comprises the following steps: 
         [0011]    A. Raw materials of Shinyleaf yellowhorn is dried and deoiled (preferably using an oil press) to get cake powder of Shinyleaf yellowhorn. The cake powder is extracted with Extractant A or extracted by supercritical CO 2  extraction. Then the resultant extract is dried to get Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream. Extractant A is selected from n-hexane, petroleum ether, diethyl ether and chloroform, with n-hexane preferred; 
         [0012]    B. The Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream is extracted with Extractant B. The resultant liquid extracts are filtered, combined, added with water to dissolve, and then filtered to get Liquid Extract I. Extractant B may be methanol or ethanol; 
         [0013]    C. Liquid Extract I is further extracted with Extractant C. The resultant liquid extracts are filtered, combined, added with water to dissolve, and then filtered to get Liquid Extract II. Extractant C may be selected from n-butanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, isobutanol, and pentanol, preferably n-butanol, n-propanol, and isopropanol; 
         [0014]    D. Liquid Extract II is loaded onto the styrene macroporous resin column for adsorption process. Then eluted with methanol or ethanol solution. The eluate is collected, concentrated and dried to obtain refined Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract. 
         [0015]    According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method for preparing Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract comprises the following steps: 
         [0016]    A. Raw materials of Shinyleaf yellowhorn is dried and deoiled (preferably using an oil press) to get cake powder of Shinyleaf yellowhorn. The cake powder is extracted with Extractant A or by supercritical CO 2  extraction. The resultant extract is dried to obtain Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream. 
         [0017]    In the case of extracted with Extractant A, it is preferred to extract with Extractant A at a weight/weight ratio of 1˜5:1, preferably 2˜3:1, and to perform the extraction procedure 2˜6 times, preferably 3˜5 times. The solvent is then recovered from the resultant extract under reduced pressure, and dried to obtain Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream; 
         [0018]    In the case of extracted by supercritical CO 2  extraction, the cake powder is added to supercritical CO 2  to perform extraction. The technical parameters for supercritical CO 2  extraction are as follows: extraction pressure: 10˜50 MPa (preferably 20˜30 MPa); extraction temperature: 20˜60° C. (preferably 40˜50° C.); performed times: 2˜5; entraining agent: ethanol, volume fraction: 60˜95%, amount: 1˜16% (preferably 2˜4%). 
         [0019]    B. The Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream is extracted with Extractant B for 1 or 2 times, each lasting about 2˜4 hours, preferably with Extractant B of a concentration of 50˜90% (preferably 55˜85%, more preferably 65˜80%) at a volume/weight ratio of 2˜9:1 (preferably 4˜8:1). The resultant liquid extracts are filtered and combined, and then alcohol is recovered under reduced pressure, preferably at 60˜70° C., until there is no odor of alcohols. Added with 0.5˜3 volumes (preferably 1˜2 volumes) of water and filtered again to obtain Liquid Extract I. 
         [0020]    C. The Liquid Extract I is added with Extractant C to perform extraction 1˜3 times. It is preferred to use Extractant C of a volume/volume ratio of 0.5˜3:1 (preferably 1˜2:1), each for 2˜4 hours. The resultant liquid extracts are filtered, combined, and then recover alcohol under reduced pressure (preferably at 60˜70° C.), until there is no odor of alcohols. Added with 0.2˜2 volumes (preferably 0.5˜1 volumes) of water and filtered again to obtain Liquid Extract II. 
         [0021]    D. Liquid Extract II is loaded onto the styrene macroporous resin column for adsorption process. It is preferred for adsorption process to perform for 10˜60 min (more preferably for 20˜40 min). Eluted with 600˜1500 ml of water, preferred a flow rate of 1.0˜4.0 ml/min. Then eluted with 800˜3000 ml of 30˜80% (preferably 40˜70%, more preferably 60˜70%) methanol or ethanol solution, preferably a flow rate of 0.5˜2.0 ml/min. A 20˜30% of alcohol eluate is collected and recover alcohol under reduced pressure (preferably at 60˜70° C.), until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant solution is concentrated and dried to obtain a refined Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract. 
         [0022]    The above-mentioned preferred extraction procedures is preferably thermal reflux extraction or ultrasonic extraction. The weight/volume ratio as used herein is kg/L. 
         [0023]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, the styrene macroporous resin column as used herein can be polar, weak polar, or non-polar ones. Before the absorption process, the resin column can be pretreated with methanol or ethanol and washed with water before added with extractant. In particular embodiment of the present invention, the resin used can be any of the following: DA201 (polar macroporous polystyrene high-molecular polymers with the milky or light yellow opaque spherical particles, produced by the Tianjin University Chemical Plant), AB8 (non-polar macroporous polystyrene high-molecular polymers with the milky or light yellow opaque spherical particles, produced by the Tianjin AAA Plant), D101 (weak polar macroporous polystyrene high-molecular polymers with the milky or light yellow opaque spherical particles, produced by the Tianjin University Chemical Plant), HP20 (weak polar macroporous polystyrene high-molecular polymers with the milky opaque spherical particles, produced by the Japanese Mitsubishi Chemical Industrial Corporation), SP825 (weak polar macroporous polystyrene high-molecular polymers with the brown opaque spherical particles, produced by the Japanese Mitsubishi Chemical Industrial Corporation). 
         [0024]    The experiments have shown that the total saponins of Shinyleaf yellowhorn mainly consist of saponins A, B, C and D, and these components have a relatively stable ratio. It has been reported [see ‘Progress in the study of chemical components of Shinyleaf yellowhorn and their pharmacological actions’, Journal of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 2004, 21(6)] that the nucleus of Shinyleaf yellowhorn total saponins is a class of compounds with oleanane-type pentacyclic triterpenoids. The molecular formula of the saponin B in Shinyleaf yellowhorn is C 60 H 92 O 24  with a molecular weight of 1196, and its chemical structure is as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0025]    In Shinyleaf yellowhorn and its extract, the ratio of saponin B (C 60 H 92 O 24 ) relative to total saponins is fairly constant. Saponin B accounts for 30 to 35% of the sum of saponins A, B, C and D. Thus, the inventor has discovered that the accurate determination of the content of saponin B in Shinyleaf yellowhorn will enable the calculation of the relative content of total saponins. 
         [0026]    The rationale of determining the content of total saponins is: 1 g of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract obtained by the extraction method of the present invention contains more than 150 mg of the saponin B (C 60 H 92 O 24 ), i.e., the content of Shinyleaf yellowhorn saponin B exceeds 15%. Accordingly, given the fact that saponin B accounts for 30% of the sum of saponins A, B, C and D, 1 g of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract contains more than 500 mg of total saponins, i.e., the content of total saponins in Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract exceeds 50%, calculated from the content of saponin B. 
         [0027]    In the present invention, the total saponins accounts for over 50% of the total Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract, based on dry mass. Meanwhile, saponin B (C 60 H 92 O 24 ) accounts for 30˜35% of the total saponins. Accordingly, the content of saponin B in the dried Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract is more than 15%. The method for preparing Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract disclosed in the present invention is stable and reliable, and can yield an extract containing high content of total saponins, thereby enable the stable quality of pharmaceutical preparations, the decreased drug dosage, the increased therapeutic effect, and the ease for pharmaceutical preparations. 
         [0028]    By showing the effects of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract on the urination frequency of the water-loaded mice, on the excised smooth muscle of bladder of rats, and on the bioelectricity of the extracellular electrode of the external sphincter of urinary bladder of rabbits, as well as its antagonistic action on the Ach (acetylcholine) induced contraction of the excised smooth muscle of bladder of rats, the present invention has demonstrated that Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract is effective in the treatment of the urinary incontinence and frequent micturition due to senile dementia or urinary bladder degradation. By showing the effects of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract on the sleeping time of mice, the present invention has proven that Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract is effective in the treatment of children enuresis. By showing the improving effects of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract on the anisodine-induced rat memory impairment, and its effect on the avoidance conditioned reflex of the dementia rat model with destructed cholinergic neuron and Meynert basal ganglia, the present invention has demonstrated the efficacy of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract in the treatment of dementia. It has been proven that Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract disclosed in the present invention has the effects of improving the brain function and enhancing the brain activity, and can be used for treating the urinary incontinence and frequent micturition due to senile dementia or urinary bladder degradation, children enuresis, pediatric mental retardation, brain aging, middle-aged and senile dementia and Parkinson&#39;s syndrome. 
         [0029]    The plant extract obtained by the method of the present invention can be used, together with the pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, for manufacturing drug compositions, for example in the form of tablet, capsule, oral liquid, injection, and drop pill. The conventional drug production methods in the pharmaceutical field can be used for the production of various pharmaceutical preparations with the present plant extract. The pharmaceutical preparation is preferably for oral or parenteral administration, more preferably for oral administration. 
         [0030]    The drug composition disclosed in the present invention can be administrated orally as any type of pharmaceutical preparations suitable for oral administration, including but not limited to capsule, tablet, aqueous suspension and solution. In the case of the oral tablet, the commonly used carriers include lactose and corn starch, and usually added with lubricants such as magnesium stearate. As for orally administered capsules, the suitable diluents include lactose and dried corn starch. As for the orally administered aqueous suspension, the active ingredients are combined with the emulsifying and suspending agents. If necessary, sweeting agent, or flavoring agent or colorant can be added to the drug composition. 
         [0031]    In a preferable embodiment of the present invention, the orally acceptable dosage form contains 10˜90% (preferably 40˜80%) of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract. If calculated in terms of Shinyleaf yellowhorn total saponins, the content is 5˜80% (preferably 20˜40%). The dosage form is preferably administrated for 1˜4 (preferably 2˜3) times per day, each dose of 0.1˜1 g (preferably 0.2˜0.4 g). 
         [0032]    The sterile injectable forms of the drug composition disclosed in the present invention can be the aqueous or oily suspensions. These suspensions can be prepared with the suitable dispersing or wetting agents together with the suspending agent by established techniques in the art. The sterile injectable pharmaceutical preparations may also be the sterile injectable liquor or suspension in the nontoxic, parenterally acceptable diluent agent or solvent, such as a solution of 1,3-butanediol. The acceptable carriers and solvents include water, Ringer&#39;s solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, the sterile fixed oil is often used as solvent or suspension medium. 
         [0033]    If necessary, the maintenance dose of the present compound, composition or combinations thereof can be prescribed for the patient once their health status is improved. Subsequently, the dose and/or frequency of drug administration can be reduced to the minimum level required to maintain the improved health status. Once the improvement of the symptoms reaches the required level, the treatment should be discontinued. However, once the symptoms of the disease have any recurrence, the patient may need intermittent treatments over a long period. 
         [0034]    The pharmaceutical preparations disclosed in the present invention may also contain, or may be used in combination with or in proper order with, other active agent or drugs for urinary incontinence and frequent micturition due to senile dementia or urinary bladder degradation, children enuresis, pediatric mental retardation, brain aging, middle-aged and senile dementia and Parkinson&#39;s syndrome. 
         [0035]    It is also noted that the specific dose of drug administration and the specific treatment regime for a specific patient depend on a variety of factors, including the activity of the specific extract, the age, the body weight, the general health status, the gender, the diet of the patient, the time of administration, the excretion rate, the drug composition, the judgment of the attending physician and the severity of the specific disease to be treated. 
     
    
     THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0036]    The following examples are used for the further illustration of, but not the limitation of, the present invention. 
       Example I 
     Effects of Different Solvents in the Preparation of Shinyleaf yellowhorn Extract Cream 
       [0037]    Raw materials of Shinyleaf yellowhorn is dried and deoiled (preferably by squeezing with an oil press) to get Shinyleaf yellowhorn cake powder. 0.15 g of the cake powder is accurately weighted and extracted with a twice weight of Extractant A. The extraction is performed 4 times, each lasting 5 hours. The solvent is recovered under reduced pressure and dried to obtain Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract. 
         [0038]    Extractant A can be hexane, diethyl ether, chloroform, or petroleum ether. Extraction can also be conducted by supercritical CO 2  extraction procedure. The technical parameters for supercritical CO 2  extraction are as follows: extraction pressure: 25˜30 MPa; extraction temperature: 45° C.; performed times: 4; entraining agent: ethanol, volume fraction: 70%, amount: 3%. Dry the resultant extract to obtain Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream. 
         [0039]    By extracting Shinyleaf yellowhorn cake powder with the said solvents or extracted by the supercritical CO 2  extraction method, and measuring and comparing the respective results, we have found that all of those solvents can realize an extracting efficiency of 70% or more, while the supercritical CO 2  extraction method can realize 80% or more. Taking into account that the diethyl ether is an anesthetic and that the chloroform is highly toxic, and that the production of the petroleum ether is unsafe, it is more preferred to select N-hexane as Extractant A. Meanwhile, the supercritical CO 2  extraction method has a higher extraction yield, free of toxic impurities, and can be adopted instead of the conventional extraction method with Extractant A. 
       Example II 
       [0040]    5 kg of Shinyleaf yellowhorn cake powder is weighted and added with 10 kg of petroleum ether for extraction. The extraction process is performed 4 times, each lasting 6 hours. The solvent is recovered under reduced pressure and the resultant liquid extract is dried to obtain Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream. 1 kg of the extract cream is weighted and added with 6 L of the 55% methanol solution. The extraction process is performed 2 times, each lasting 2 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and the solvent is recovered at 60° C. under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved in 1 L of water and then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract I. Liquid Extract I is further extracted with 1 L of isobutanol for 3 times, each lasting 2 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and then the solvent is recovered at 70° C. under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved with 1 L of water, then the solution is filtered to obtain Liquid Extract II. For the purpose of analysis, a portion of Liquid Extract II is evaporated to dryness to obtain a crude extract of Shinyleaf yellowhorn. 
       Example III 
       [0041]    5 kg of Shinyleaf yellowhorn cake powder is weighted and added with 15 kg of diethyl ether for extraction. The extraction process is performed 3 times, each lasting 5 hours. The solvent is recovered under reduced pressure and the resultant liquid extract is dried to obtain Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream. 1 kg of the extract cream is weighted and added with 7 L of the 65% ethanol solution to perform extraction for 3 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and the solvent is recovered at 65□ under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved in 2 L of water and then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract I. Liquid Extract I is further extracted with 2 L of pentanol for 3 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and then the solvent is recovered at 62□ under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved with 0.5 L of water, then the solution is filtered to obtain Liquid Extract II. For the purpose of analysis, a portion of Liquid Extract II is evaporated to dryness to obtain a crude extract of Shinyleaf yellowhorn. 
       Example IV 
       [0042]    5 kg of Shinyleaf yellowhorn cake powder is weighted and added with 15 kg of petroleum ether for extraction. The extraction process is performed 5 times, each lasting 4 hours. The solvent is recovered under reduced pressure and the resultant liquid extract is dried to obtain Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream. 1 kg of the extract cream is weighted and added with 8 L of the 75% ethanol solution for extraction. The extraction process is performed two times, each lasting 2 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and the solvent is recovered at 70□ under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved in 1 L of water and then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract I. Liquid Extract I is further extracted with 2 L of n-butanol for 2 times, each lasting 4 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and then the solvent is recovered at 65□ under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved with 0.7 L of water, then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract II. For the purpose of analysis, a portion of Liquid Extract II is evaporated to dryness to obtain a crude extract of Shinyleaf yellowhorn. 
       Example V 
       [0043]    5 kg of Shinyleaf yellowhorn cake powder is weighted and added with 10 kg of petroleum ether for extraction. The extraction process is performed 3 times, each lasting 6 hours. The solvent is recovered under reduced pressure and the resultant liquid extract is dried to obtain Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream. 1 kg of the extract cream is weighted and added with 4 L of the 85% methanol solution to perform extraction for 4 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and the solvent is recovered at 67° C. under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved in 2 L of water and then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract I. Liquid Extract I is further extracted with 1 L of n-propanol for 3 times, each lasting 2˜4 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and then the solvent is recovered at 60° C. under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved with 1 L of water, then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract II. For the purpose of analysis, a portion of Liquid Extract II is evaporated to dryness to obtain a crude extract of Shinyleaf yellowhorn. 
       Example VI 
       [0044]    5 kg of Shinyleaf yellowhorn cake powder is weighted and added with 10 kg of n-hexane for extraction. The extraction process is performed 4 times, each lasting 6 hours. The solvent is recovered under reduced pressure and the resultant liquid extract is dried to obtain Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream. 1 kg of the extract cream is weighted and added with 6 L of the 55% methanol solution. The Extraction performed 2 times, each lasting 2 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and the solvent is recovered at 60° C. under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved in 1 L of water and then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract I. Liquid Extract I is further extracted with 1 L of isobutanol for 3 times, each lasting 2 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and then the solvent is recovered at 70° C. under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved with 1 L of water, then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract II. For the purpose of analysis, a portion of Liquid Extract II is evaporated to dryness to obtain a crude extract of Shinyleaf yellowhorn. 
       Example VII 
       [0045]    5 kg of Shinyleaf yellowhorn cake powder is weighted and added with 15 kg of n-hexane for extraction. The extraction process is performed 3 times, each lasting 5 hours. The solvent is recovered under reduced pressure and the resultant liquid extract is dried to obtain Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream. 1 kg of the extract cream is weighted and added with 7 L of the 65% ethanol solution to perform extraction for 3 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and the solvent is recovered at 65° C. under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved in 2 L of water and then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract I. Liquid Extract I is further extracted with 2 L of pentanol for 3 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and then the solvent is recovered at 62° C. under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved with 0.5 L of water, then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract II. For the purpose of analysis, a portion of Liquid Extract II is evaporated to dryness to obtain a crude extract of Shinyleaf yellowhorn. 
       Example VIII 
       [0046]    5 kg of Shinyleaf yellowhorn cake powder is weighted and added with 15 kg of n-hexane for extraction. The extraction process is performed 5 times, each lasting 4 hours. The solvent is recovered under reduced pressure and the resultant liquid extract is dried to obtain Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream. 1 kg of the extract cream is weighted and added with 8 L of the 75% ethanol solution. The extraction is performed 2 times, each lasting 2 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and the solvent is recovered at 70° C. under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved in 1 L of water and then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract I. Liquid Extract I is further extracted with 2 L of n-butanol, the extraction performed 2 times, each lasting 4 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and then the solvent is recovered at 65° C. under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved with 0.7 L of water, then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract II. For the purpose of analysis, a portion of Liquid Extract II is evaporated to dryness to obtain a crude extract of Shinyleaf yellowhorn. 
       Example IX 
       [0047]    5 kg of Shinyleaf yellowhorn cake powder is weighted and added with 10 kg of n-hexane for extraction. The extraction process is performed 3 times, each lasting 6 hours. The solvent is recovered under reduced pressure and the resultant liquid extract is dried to obtain Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream. 1 kg of the extract cream is weighted and added with 4 L of the 85% methanol solution to perform extraction for 4 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and the solvent is recovered at 67° C. under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved in 2 L of water and then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract I. Liquid Extract I is further extracted with 1 L of isopropanol, the extraction performed 3 times, each lasting 2˜4 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and then the solvent is recovered at 60° C. under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved with 1 L of water, then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract II. For the purpose of analysis, a portion of Liquid Extract II is evaporated to dryness to obtain a crude extract of Shinyleaf yellowhorn. 
       Comparative Example I 
       [0048]    5 kg of Shinyleaf yellowhorn cake powder is weighted and added with 10 kg of water for extraction. The extraction process is performed 4 times, each lasting 5 hours. The solvent is recovered under reduced pressure and the resultant liquid extract is dried to obtain Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream. 1 kg of the extract cream is weighted and added with 6 L of the 70% methanol solution. The extraction process is performed 2 times, each lasting 2 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and the solvent is recovered at 60˜70° C. under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved in 2 L of water and then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract I. Liquid Extract I is further extracted with 1 L of n-butanol, the extraction performed 3 times, each lasting 2˜4 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and then the solvent is recovered at 65° C. under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved with 1 L of water, then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract II. For the purpose of analysis, a portion of Liquid Extract II is evaporated to dryness to obtain a crude extract of Shinyleaf yellowhorn. 
       Comparative Example II 
       [0049]    5 kg of Shinyleaf yellowhorn cake powder is weighted and added with 10 kg of methanol for extraction. The extraction process is performed 4 times, each lasting 5 hours. The solvent is recovered under reduced pressure and the resultant liquid extract is dried to obtain Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream. 1 kg of the extract cream is weighted and added with 6 L of n-butanol solution. The extraction process is performed 2 times, each lasting 2 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and the solvent is recovered at 60˜70° C. under reduced pressure, until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is dissolved in 2 L of water and then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract I. Liquid Extract I is further extracted with 1 L of water, the extraction is performed 3 times, each lasting 2˜4 hours. The liquid extracts is filtered and combined, and then the solvent is recovered at 65° C. under reduced pressure. The resultant extract is dissolved with 1 L of water, then filtered to obtain Liquid Extract II. For the purpose of analysis, a portion of Liquid Extract II is evaporated to dryness to obtain a crude extract of Shinyleaf yellowhorn. 
       Refining Example I 
       [0050]    Liquid Extract II obtained from Example VI is loaded onto styrene macroporous resin column D201 and adsorbed for 20 min. The column is washed with 1500 ml of water at a flow rate of 3.0 ml/min and then eluted with 1500 ml of 35% methanol or ethanol solution as the eluting agent at a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min. A 20% alcohol eluate is collected and the solvent is recovered under reduced pressure at 68° C. until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is concentrated and dried to obtain the refined extract of Shinyleaf yellowhorn. 
       Refining Example II 
       [0051]    Liquid Extract II obtained from Example VII is loaded onto styrene macroporous resin column AB8 and adsorbed for 30 min. The column is washed with 1300 ml of water at a flow rate of 4.0 ml/min and then eluted with 1000 ml of 80% methanol or ethanol solution as the eluting agent at a flow rate of 2 ml/min. A 30% alcohol eluate is collected and the solvent is recovered under reduced pressure at 65° C. until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is concentrated and dried to obtain the refined extract of Shinyleaf yellowhorn. 
       Refining Example III 
       [0052]    Liquid Extract II obtained from Example VIII is loaded onto styrene macroporous resin column HP20 and adsorbed for 35 min. The column is washed with 900 ml of water at a flow rate of 11.0 ml/min and then eluted with 3000 ml of 60% methanol or ethanol solution as the eluting agent at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. A 25% alcohol eluate is collected and the solvent is recovered under reduced pressure at 60° C. until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is concentrated and dried to obtain the refined extract of Shinyleaf yellowhorn. 
       Refining Example IV 
       [0053]    Liquid Extract II obtained from Example IX is loaded onto styrene macroporous resin column D101 and adsorbed for 40 min. The column is washed with 600 ml of water at a flow rate of 2.0 ml/min and then eluted with 2000 ml of 40% methanol or ethanol solution as the eluting agent at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. A 22% alcohol eluate is collected and the solvent is recovered under reduced pressure at 60° C. until there is no odor of alcohols. The resultant extract is concentrated and dried to obtain the refined extract of Shinyleaf yellowhorn. 
       Analyzing Example 
     Determination of Content of Shinyleaf yellowhorn Saponin B 
       [0054]    Determine the content of saponin B by HPLC. 
         [0055]    Preparation of control sample: Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract cream is extracted with 55˜85% methanol or ethanol, and the resultant liquid extract is then loaded onto the styrene macroporous resin column for absorption. Eluted with 20˜80% ethanol solution as eluting agent. A 50˜70% alcohol eluate is collected and loaded onto the silica column. Eluted with chloroform/methanol as the eluting agent. A 45:55 (V/V, chloroform/methanol) of the eluate is collected and chromatographed with a preparative liquid chromatograph, using methanol/water (V/V of 75/25) as the mobile phase. The resultant eluate concentrated and dried to obtain the control sample of saponin B. As determined by the evaporative light detector for liquid chromatography, the purity of the saponin B control sample is more than 97%. 
         [0056]    Chromatographic detecting conditions and system adaptability tests: ODS used as the loading agent, and the methanol-water-phosphoric acid (with V/V/V of 75/25/0.01) used as the mobile phase; the detection wavelength is 215 nm; and the number of theoretical plates (N.T.P) shall be no less than 3000 calculated according to the peak of Shinyleaf yellowhorn saponin B. 
         [0057]    Preparation of the control sample solution: Some saponin B control sample is accurately weighed and mixed in the mobile phase to prepare the 0.04 mg/ml solution. 
         [0058]    Preparation of the test sample solution: 4 g of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract is weighted and ultrasonic extracted with 70% ethanol; A 10 ml portion is evaporated to dryness; then dissolved in water and loaded onto the resin column; according to ‘column chromatography’ test, a 70% ethanol eluate is collected and then filtered with a 0.45 μm filter membrane to obtain the test sample solution. 
         [0059]    Determination method: a 10 μl of the control sample solution and the test sample solution each is drawn and determined the peak area for the calculation of content of saponin B. 
         [0060]    Comparison of saponin B contents in the extracts prepared by various extraction methods 
         [0061]    The content of saponin B in Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract obtained from each example is determined with the above method, and then the contents of total saponins are extrapolated assuming that saponin B accounts for 30% of total saponins. The results are as follows. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Contents of saponin B and total saponins 
               
               
                 in Shinyleaf yellowhorn extracts 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Example No. from which the 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 crude extract of Shinyleaf 
               
               
                   
                 yellowhorn obtained 
                 saponin B 
                 total saponins 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Example II 
                 6.03% 
                 20.1% 
               
               
                   
                 Example III 
                 5.55% 
                 18.5% 
               
               
                   
                 Example IV 
                 7.44% 
                 24.8% 
               
               
                   
                 Example V 
                 6.75% 
                 22.5% 
               
               
                   
                 Example VI 
                 6.18% 
                 20.6% 
               
               
                   
                 Example VII 
                 5.73% 
                 19.1% 
               
               
                   
                 Example VIII 
                 7.59% 
                 25.3% 
               
               
                   
                 Example IX 
                 6.87% 
                 22.9% 
               
               
                   
                 Comparative Example I 
                 1.38% 
                 4.6% 
               
               
                   
                 Comparative Example II 
                 2.16% 
                 7.2% 
               
               
                   
                 Refining Example I 
                 24.69% 
                 82.3% 
               
               
                   
                 Refining Example II 
                 27.54% 
                 91.8% 
               
               
                   
                 Refining Example III 
                 22.05% 
                 73.5% 
               
               
                   
                 Refining Example IV 
                 16.68% 
                 55.6% 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Experimental Example I 
     Effect of Shinyleaf yellowhorn Extract on Urination Frequency of Water-Load Mice 
       [0062]    The experimental animal strains used herein are the SPF KM mice and Wistar rats. Each rat or mouse receives gavage drug administration. Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract is the refined extract from Refining Example IV, in the form of capsules. The control drug is imipramine, which has a strong anti-depression action and a weak atropine-like action, and is often used for treatment of the depression and children enuresis. The experimental method is calculating the urination frequency of mice based on the colorable reaction taking place when the dried potassium iodide and starch are mixed with the urine. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Effects of Shinyleaf yellowhorn Extract on Urination frequency of Water-load Mice 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Number of 
                 Dose 
                 Urination frequency (times/each) X ± SD 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Group 
                 animal (n) 
                 (g/kg*d) 
                 0.5 h 
                 1.0 h 
                 2.0 h 
                 3.0 h 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 physiologic saline 
                 10 
                 Equi. volume × 10 
                 1.2 ± 1.1 
                 2.9 ± 1.4 
                 2.4 ± 1.6 
                 1.2 ± 1.1 
               
               
                 Imipra High-dose 
                 10 
                 0.01 × 10 
                 0.9 ± 0.7 
                 2.9 ± 1.3 
                 2.6 ± 1.5 
                 1.3 ± 0.8 
               
               
                 extract mine 
               
               
                 Low-dose extract 
                 10 
                 0.01 × 10 
                 1.0 ± 0.7 
                 2.4 ± 1.3 
                 2.0 ± 1.5 
                 1.4 ± 1.1 
               
               
                 High-dose extract 
                 10 
                 0.20 × 10 
                 0.8 ± 0.6 
                  1.9 ± 1.0* 
                 1.9 ± 1.6 
                 0.8 ± 0.7 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *P &lt; 0.05, compared with control group 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0063]    The experimental results show that the administration of a certain dose of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract will lead to the decrease in the urination frequency of the water-load mice within a certain period of time. 
       Experimental Example II 
     Effects of Shinyleaf yellowhorn Extract and Imipramine on Excised Smooth Muscle of Bladder of Rats 
       [0064]    The experimental animal strain used herein is the SPF Wistar rats. The experiment process is as follows: the rat bladder is surgically excised to prepare the strips of smooth muscle; place the smooth muscle in the thermostat nutrient solution, and then added with Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract (the refined extract from Refining Example IV, in the form of capsules) and the imipramine respectively, under the oxygen supply conditions, to observe the changes in smooth muscle. 
         [0065]    Criteria for grading: after the calibration by a transducer, a 0.5 mm fall of the baseline indicates the complete relaxation of the smooth muscle, an unchanged baseline indicates the non-response of the smooth muscle, while a rise of the baseline shows the contraction of the smooth muscle. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Concentrations of solutions as smooth 
               
               
                 muscle shows complete relaxation 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Number of times of 
                 Concentration of solution 
               
               
                 Group 
                 experiment 
                 (mg/ml) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Imipramine 
                 12 
                 0.15 
               
               
                 Shinyleaf yellowhorn 
                 12 
                 0.80 
               
               
                 extract 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0066]    The experimental results show that Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract can directly act on the smooth muscle of bladder of rats, making it relax. 
       Experimental Example III 
     The Antagonistic Action of Shinyleaf yellowhorn Extract on Ach Induced Contraction of the Excised Smooth Muscle of the Bladder of Rats 
       [0067]    The experimental method is same as that described in Experimental Example II. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 EC50 Determination of the action of Shinyleaf yellowhorn 
               
               
                 extract and/or Ach on the contraction of the excised 
               
               
                 bladder smooth muscle of the rat 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Drug 
                 EC 50  (mg/ml) 
                 P (f = ∞) (t = 2.5) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Ach 
                 3.4 × 10 −11   
                 — 
               
               
                 Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract 
                 2.9 × 10 −10   
                 &lt;0.05 
               
               
                 plus Ach 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0068]    The experimental results show that Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract (the refined extract from Refining Example IV, made into the form of capsules) has the antagonistic action on the Ach induced contraction of the excised bladder smooth muscle of the rat, making the contracted smooth muscle completely relaxed. 
       Experimental Example IV 
     Effects of Shinyleaf yellowhorn Extract on the Bioelectricity of the Extracellular Electrode of the External Bladder Sphincter of the Rabbit 
       [0069]    Experimental method: surgically implant indwelling electrode and record the changes of the external bladder sphincter of the rabbit with a physiological recorder. Administration mode: gavage administration. The adrenomimetic drug Midodrine is a selective α 1  adrenoceptor agonist, commonly used for treating of stress incontinence clinically. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Effects of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract on the external 
               
               
                 bladder sphincter of the rabbit (X ± SD) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 animals 
                   
                 Frequency 
                 Wave amplitude 
                 Time duration 
               
               
                 group 
                 (n) 
                 Dose 
                 (times/min) 
                 (mv) 
                 (min) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Control group 
                 30 
                   
                 5.5 ± 3.0  
                 4.2 ± 1.8  
                 0.2 ± 0.1  
               
               
                 Midodrine 
                 10 
                   0.4 mg/kg 
                 35.4 ± 11.6** 
                 14.9 ± 6.7** 
                 18.7 ± 10.3** 
               
               
                 Low-dose 
                 10 
                 0.1 g/kg 
                 25.6 ± 10.1** 
                  9.7 ± 4.2** 
                 8.2 ± 3.6** 
               
               
                 High-dose 
                 10 
                 0.2 g/kg 
                 31.3 ± 12.8** 
                 13.9 ± 5.4** 
                 12.6 ± 6.3**  
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *P &lt; 0.05, Compared with the control group. 
               
               
                 **P &lt; 0.01, Compared with the control group. 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0070]    The experimental results show that both of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract (the refined extract from Refining Example IV, in the form of capsules) and the Midodrine can significantly raise the frequency and wave amplitude of the bioelectricity of the extracellular electrode of the external bladder sphincter of the rabbit, thus proving their effect in significantly enhancing the excitability of the bladder sphincter. 
       Experimental Example V 
     Effect of Shinyleaf yellowhorn Extract on the Sleeping Hours of the Mouse 
       [0071]    Establish the animal model of sleeping of the mouse by an intraperitoneal injection of sodium pentobarbital. Administer drug by gavage administration one hour prior to the injection, so as to observe the recovery time for the righting reflex of the mouse. Administration mode: gavage administration. The telucidone (meclofenoxate, or centrofenoxine) has an exciting action on central nerve and commonly used for the clinical treatment of traumatic unconscious disturbance and children enuresis. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Effect of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract on 
               
               
                 the sleep hours of mice (X ± SD) 
               
             
          
           
               
                 group 
                 animals (n) 
                 Dose (g/kg) 
                 Hour of sleep (min) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 sleeping control 
                 15 
                   
                 78.6 ± 15.3 
               
               
                 Telucidone 
                 15 
                 0.02 
                 61.2 ± 10.7* 
               
               
                 Low-dose extract 
                 15 
                 0.10 
                 63.6 ± 11.2* 
               
               
                 High-dose extract 
                 15 
                 0.20 
                 57.5 ± 9.4** 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *P &lt; 0.05, compared with sleeping control group 
               
               
                 **P &lt; 0.01, compared with sleeping control group 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0072]    The experimental results show that Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract (the refined extract from Refining Example IV, in the form of capsules) can significantly shorten the sodium pentobarbital prolonged sleep hours in mouse, indicating that it can significantly enhance the excitability of central nerve. 
       Experimental Example VI 
     Effects of Shinyleaf yellowhorn Extract on Memory Impairment 
       [0073]    Establish the animal model of memory impairment pursuant to the method disclosed in “Memory Impairment Animal Models” (Pharmacological Experimental Methodology, Third Edition, P829). Anisodine is an anti-cholinergic drug, toxicity smaller than that of atropine. 
         [0074]    Administration mode: gavage administration. The cholinomimetic drug Donepezil (Aricept) is a cerebral metabolism nootropics and a specific reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. The drug can slow down the decomposition of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, thus enhancing the content of acetylcholine, and commonly used for clinical treatment of the Alzheimer&#39;s senile dementia. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Improving effect of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract on anisodine-induced 
               
               
                 memory impairment of mice (X ± SD) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Electricity-avoiding 
                 Number of error 
               
               
                 group 
                 animals (n) 
                 Dose 
                 latency (s) 
                 (times) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Normal control 
                 15 
                   
                   
                 260.3 ± 133.9* 
                 0.18 ± 0.16** 
               
               
                 Model control 
                 15 
                 5 
                 mg/kg 
                  88.7 ± 62.4 
                 1.37 ± 1.10 
               
               
                 Aricept 
                 15 
                 0.5 
                 mg/kg 
                 255.9 ± 126.1** 
                 0.20 ± 0.18** 
               
               
                 Low-dose 
                 15 
                 0.1 
                 g/kg 
                 181.4 ± 103.6* 
                 0.48 ± 0.35* 
               
               
                 extract 
               
               
                 High-dose 
                 15 
                 0.2 
                 g/kg 
                 224.3 ± 118.0** 
                 0.28 ± 0.21** 
               
               
                 extract 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *P &lt; 0.05, compared with model control group; 
               
               
                 **P &lt; 0.01,, compared with model control group 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0075]    The experimental results show that Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract (the refined extract from Refining Example IV, in the form of capsules) can significantly prolong the electricity-avoiding time in mouse with memory impairment, and reduce the number of error, indicating that Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract can significantly improve the acquired memory impairment. 
       Experimental Example VII 
     Effect of Shinyleaf yellowhorn Extract on Avoidance Conditioned Reflex of the Dementia Rat Model with Destructed Cholinergic Neuron and Meynert Basal Ganglia 
       [0076]    The animal model of senile dementia is established pursuant to the method disclosed in “Experimental Alzheimer&#39;s Disease Animal Model with Destructed Cholinergic Neuron” (Pharmacological Experimental Methodology, Third Edition, P848). The kainic acid is a receptor agonist for the central exciting neurotransmitter glutamate, which has been widely used as a tool drug to establish the neurotoxicity model by the international community. 
         [0077]    Administration mode: gavage administration. The Piracetam-NEGPF [piracetam, topiramate acetamide, amide pyrrole ring (ketone)] is a brain metabolism nootropics that can protect and repair cranial nerve cells, promote the transformation of ADP into ATP in the brain and the synthesis of acetylcholine and prevent against the brain function injury caused by the physical and chemical factors, and is used in clinic for the treatment of the brain function disorder due to aging, cerebral vascular accident, traumatic brain injury, and CO poisoning. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 8 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Effect of Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract on avoidance conditioned reflex of the dementia rat model X ± SD 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 The first day 
                 The third day 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 animals 
                 Dose 
                 Positive 
                 Latency 
                 Positive 
                 Latency 
               
               
                 group 
                 (n) 
                 (g/kg) 
                 rate (%) 
                 (s) 
                 rate (%) 
                 (s) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Normal control 
                 10 
                   
                  55.7 ± 16.3* 
                  3.1 ± 0.8** 
                  91.2 ± 8.8** 
                  2.1 ± 0.6** 
               
               
                 Dementia rat model 
                 8 
                   
                 28.3 ± 10.2 
                 8.3 ± 3.6 
                 31.0 ± 7.2  
                 6.3 ± 2.9  
               
               
                 Piracetam-NEGPF 
                 7 
                 0.2 
                 30.5 ± 12.7 
                 7.1 ± 3.3 
                 57.6 ± 8.0* 
                 4.4 ± 1.0* 
               
               
                 Shinyleaf yellowhorn 
                 7 
                 0.2 
                 28.8 ± 11.4 
                 7.8 ± 2.6 
                 52.1 ± 8.5* 
                 5.2 ± 1.4* 
               
               
                 extract 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 The fifth day 
                 72 h post stopping of training 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Positive 
                 Latency 
                 Positive 
                 Latency 
               
               
                   
                 group 
                 rate (%) 
                 (s) 
                 rate (%) 
                 (s) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Normal control 
                 100** 
                  1.3 ± 0.4** 
                  92.3 ± 7.4** 
                  1.7 ± 0.5** 
               
               
                   
                 Dementia rat model 
                 48.7 ± 10.7 
                 4.8 ± 1.0  
                 37.5 ± 8.0  
                 6.9 ± 1.2  
               
               
                   
                 Piracetam-NEGPF 
                 71.05 ± 8.2*  
                 2.6 ± 0.6* 
                 58.2 ± 7.4* 
                 4.6 ± 0.7* 
               
               
                   
                 Shinyleaf yellowhorn 
                 68.4 ± 9.6* 
                 3.1 ± 1.1* 
                 51.7 ± 6.6* 
                 5.1 ± 0.9* 
               
               
                   
                 extract 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *P &lt; 0.05, compared with dementia rat model group; 
               
               
                   
                 **P &lt; 0.01, compared with dementia rat model group. 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0078]    The experimental results show that Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract (the refined extract from Refining Example IV, in the form of capsules) can significantly enhance the positive rate of avoidance response in the dementia animal model and shorten the latency of avoidance response, which indicates that it can improve the brain function in dementia animal model. 
       Experimental Example VIII 
     Clinical Trial Report of Treatment of Senile Dementia with Shinyleaf yellowhorn Extract 
       [0079]    Case sources: A total of 30 outpatients, diagnosed with senile dementia, were selected randomly for analysis. The 30 subjects included 23 males (76.66%) and seven females (23.33%). Among them were 6 cases aged from 68 to 70 years old, 17 cases aged from 70 to 80 and seven aged from 80 to 86, with an average age of 77.5. 
         [0080]    The diagnostic criteria for senile dementia, issued by the China Medical Association in 1989, were used for the diagnosis. Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract is obtained form Refining Example III and in the form of tablets. The dose is 0.2 grams per time (three times a day). After the successive administration for three months, the therapeutic effect is evaluated. 
         [0081]    Criteria of therapeutic effect: the criteria of therapeutic effect as revised in the National Conference on Senile Dementia held by the Gerontological Society and the Internal Medical Society of the National Association of Traditional Chinese Medicines on May 1990 were used for the judgment of the therapeutic effect of the treatment: 
         [0082]    Cure: The subjective symptoms have completely disappeared; the consciousness is clear; the orientation is sound; the subject can answer questions correctly and the response is sensitive; the subject has the ability of self-care, and is able to participate in social activities; 
         [0083]    Marked efficacy: The main symptoms has disappeared; the consciousness is clear; the orientation is sound; the subject can answer questions substantially correctly and the response is fairly sensitive; the subject has the ability of self-care, and is able to participate in normal social activities; 
         [0084]    Efficacy: The main psychiatric symptoms has diminished or partially disappeared; the subject has the ability of self-care; the subject can answer questions substantially correctly but the response is retarded; there are still some intellectual and personality disorders; 
         [0085]    Inefficacy: The main psychiatric symptoms show no signs of improving, or the pathogenetic condition is still worsening; the subject is incapable of self-care, can not answer questions correctly, and the consciousness is completed retarded. 
         [0086]    Analysis of efficacy results: After the successive administration for three months, the therapeutic effect is evaluated. Of the total of 30 subjects, nine (30%) showed marked efficacy, and 19 (63%) showed some efficacy, while two (7%) showed no sign of efficacy; the total efficacy rate is 93%. 
       Experimental Example IX 
     Clinical Trial of Treatment of Pediatric Mental Retardation with Shinyleaf yellowhorn Extract 
       [0087]    Case sources: A total of 30 outpatients, diagnosed to be pediatric mental retardation, were selected randomly for analysis. The 30 subjects included 18 males (60%) and 12 females (40%). Among them were 16 cases aged 5˜8, and 14 aged 8˜13, with an average age of 8.1. The grading of patient&#39;s condition is as follows: 3 with severe conditions, 14 medium and 13 mild, respectively. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 9 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Distribution of IQ in different age groups before treatment 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 IQ 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Age span 
                 20-34 
                 35-49 
                 50-70 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 5~8 
                 2 
                 7 
                 7 
               
               
                   
                 8~13 
                 1 
                 7 
                 6 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0088]    The diagnostic standard: according to China-Wechsler Young Children Scale of Intelligence (CWYCSI), if the IQ score is less than 70, the subject was diagnosed to have the mental retardation, which is further divided into three grades: severe (with an IQ sore of 20˜34), medium (35˜49) and light (50˜70). 
         [0089]    Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract is obtained from Refining Example III and in the form of tables. The dose is 0.1 grams each time (three times a day). After the successive administration for three months, the IQ is determined. 
         [0090]    Analysis of efficacy results: After the successive administration for three months, the IQ is determined. 11 of the total of 30 subjects showed marked effect, accounting for 36.66%, and 2 (6.67%) showed effect, while 17 shows no effect, accounting for 56.66%. The total effective rate is 43.33%. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 10 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Distribution of IQ in different age groups after treatment 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 IQ 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Age span 
                 20-34 
                 35-49 
                 50-70 
                 Over 70 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 5~8 
                 1 
                 4 
                 8 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 8~13 
                 1 
                 5 
                 7 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0091]    All of the subjects showed no adverse reaction during treatment. Therefore, it is apparent that Shinyleaf yellowhorn extract disclosed in the present invention has therapeutic effect in treating pediatric mental retardation, and is safe and reliable.