Effects of Chinese herbal medicine Fuzhisan on autologous neural stem cells in the brain of SAMP-8 mice

► Fuzhisan (FZS), a Chinese herbal complex prescription, has been used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) for more than 16 years. ► We investigated the effects of the aqueous extract of FZS on the cognitive functions of the aged mice and the pharmacological basis for its therapeutic efficacy. ► The results showed that FZS improved impaired cognitive ability of aged SAMP-8 mice. ► The potent effects of FZS on endogenous neurogenesis may be an important mechanism for the 480 treatment of AD.