Objective: To investigate the effect of Wuzi Yanzong Pill (WZYZP) and its disassembled prescription on mitochondrial DNA deletions, respiratory chain complexes and ATP synthesis in aged rats.
Methods: Animal experiments with polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme kinetics and bioluminescence technique were conducted.
Results: WZYZP and its disassembled prescription of Fructus Lycii and Semen Cuscutae could reduce the mitochondrial DNA deletions and raise the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, IV and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis in aged rats' brain; Fructus Lycii and Semen Cuscutae could also reduce the mitochondrial DNA deletions in aged rats' heart (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).
Conclusion: WZYZP, Fructus Lycii and Semen Cuscutae have protective effect on oxidative damage of mitochondrial DNA in aged rats.