Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.vt4b8gv43

Description of the data and file structure

The spatial reference memory of mice was examined using the Morris water maze. The motor function of mice was assessed by the rotarod test. After the behavioral tests, the mice in each group were divided into two groups, one for histological analysis and the other for biochemical analysis. Brain sections were prepared and stained. Neuropathology was examined with the immunohistochemistry. The staining intensity or positive area in a constant brain region was quantified using NIH ImageJ software. Neurogenesis was assessed by manually counted cell numbers.

Dataset includes raw_data_for_Fig1-7: CSV files containing quantitative data for each figure.

Variables, Units, and Abbreviations Definitions

To ensure data clarity and reproducibility, the variables, measurement units, and abbreviations utilized across the data files are defined as follows:

• Behavioral Testing Data: All values representing duration or latency under the category of "Time" are measured strictly in seconds (sec).
• Immunohistochemical (IHC) Quantification Data: Numerical values derived from IHC image analyses are expressed in arbitrary units (AU) for staining intensity, and in square micrometers ($\mu m^2$) for positive staining area measurements.
• Experimental Dosages: The administration dosages of the substances are presented within the dataset in milligrams (mg) or micrograms ($\mu g$), as specified in the respective file components.
• Pathological Biomarkers: The abbreviation "p-tau" designates phosphorylated tau protein, and "p-aSyn" designates phosphorylated alpha-synuclein.
• Test Compound Correspondences: The shorthand identifiers used within the filenames and data matrices—specifically "extZ", "resZ", and "pwdZ"—correspond directly to the experimental groups designated as "Ext-ZSS", "Res-ZSS", and "Pwd-ZSS" in the accompanying published manuscript.

Methodological Notes on Data Structure, Layout, and Software Compatibility

To ensure complete transparency and independent reproducibility for external users, the specific rationale behind the visual data layout and formatting within the CSV files is detailed below:

• Interpretation of Isolated Data Chunks (e.g., Columns S and T in Fig5E): The columns that appear as isolated chunks of data at various positions across the files are formatted exclusively for compatibility with the statistical analysis software, StatView. To perform direct significance testing (such as ANOVA and subsequent post-hoc multiple comparisons), the data matrix required a specific structural arrangement. These isolated columns contain the exact, unaltered numerical values that were directly imported into StatView and utilized to compute the statistical significance values presented in the figures of the corresponding research article. They were deliberately isolated to allow researchers to clearly distinguish the specific datasets subjected to independent statistical evaluation.
• Interpretation of Empty Cells: The blank or empty cells distributed within the data sheets do not indicate missing, lost, or compromised data. Instead, they represent non-applicable (N/A) measurement points inherent to the comparative in vivo study design. These empty spaces occur where specific samples or groups were not subjected to that particular experimental treatment, chronological time-point, or specific statistical contrast within the StatView workflow.
• Variable Definition Policy for Independent Reuse: As outlined in the abbreviations list above, all column labels (such as "Raw level" or "Correction#1") represent standard, repeatable physiological and pathological metrics. When these identical column headers appear multiple times sequentially within a single file, they consistently follow the broader group categorization headers (such as anatomical indicators or treatment groups). Users can independently execute replication analyses by treating these repeating variables as distinct experimental arms matching the sequential design described in the methodology.

File Naming Conventions and Comprehensive Figure Context:

To facilitate independent interpretation and long-term reusability of this dataset without requiring the associated manuscript to be open simultaneously, the file naming architecture and the specific scientific context for each Figure are detailed below:

1. File Naming Convention

The filenames in this dataset are structured systematically based on the following standard formula:

[Associated Figure]_[Experiment Date/Type]_[Sample Specifications]_[Treatment/Dosage Group]_[Internal Management ID]

• Example Breakdown: raw_data_for_Fig1A)_20201130MWM(male_and_female)_APP23_14-16mo_with_0.1mg_extZ.csv
  1. Associated Figure: Indicates the specific section of the study (e.g., raw_data_for_Fig1A).
  2. Experiment Date/Type: Identifies the timeline and specific test method, such as Morris Water Maze (20201130MWM).
  3. Sample Specifications: Details biological variables, including sex (male_and_female), genetic mouse model (APP23), and age (14-16mo).
  4. Treatment/Dosage Group: Specifies the administered substance and concentration (e.g., with_0.1mg_extZ).
  5. Internal Management ID: The remaining alphanumeric strings at the end of filenames serve as unique tracking identifiers mapped directly to our internal institutional laboratory records. These IDs enable precise backward-searching, ensuring that any future technical inquiries from readers can be answered with absolute accuracy.

2. Experimental Context and Descriptions for Individual Figures

Each dataset file corresponds to the behavioral and histopathological analyses outlined below. (Note: In accordance with repository policies, the embedded graphical figure files are omitted from this repository to avoid copyright licensing conflicts with the publishing journal, eLife).

• Figure 1. Effects of ZSS hot water extract on APP23 mice.
  • Data Content: Behavioral scores (Time in seconds, sec) and immunohistochemical (IHC) quantification metrics (Staining intensity in arbitrary units, AU; Staining area in um²) evaluates the therapeutic effects of Zizyphi spinosi semen (ZSS) hot water extract (extZ) using the APP23 Alzheimer's disease mouse model.
• Figure 2. Effects of ZSS hot water extract on Tau784 mice.
  • Data Content: Behavioral scores (sec) and IHC optical density analyses (AU) for pathological tau accumulation examining the impact of ZSS hot water extract (extZ) on Tau784 transgenic tauopathy mice.
• Figure 3. Comparison of ZSS hot water extract, extraction residue, and non-extracted simple crush powder in Tau784 mice.
  • Data Content: Direct comparative behavioral scores (sec) and histopathological quantification datasets (AU) evaluating three distinct preparations of ZSS—hot water extract (extZ), extraction residue (resZ), and non-extracted simple crushed powder (pwdZ)—in the Tau784 mouse model.
• Figure 4. Effects of ZSS simple crush powder on Hu alpha-Syn(A53T) mice.
  • Data Content: Behavioral performance scores (sec) and IHC quantitative values (AU and cell numbers) targeting pathological alpha-synuclein effects to determine the efficacy of ZSS simple crushed powder (pwdZ) in human alpha-synuclein-expressing transgenic mice.
• Figure 5. Effects of ZSS simple crush powder on normal aged mice.
  • Data Content: Age-related cognitive changes consisting of behavioral scores (sec) and brain tissue IHC staining parameters (AU and cell numbers) analyzing the baseline preventive capacity of ZSS simple crushed powder (pwdZ) on wild-type, normally aged mice.
• Figure 7. Effects of three components of ZSS on Tau784 mice.
  • Data Content: Behavioral score (sec) assessing the functional cognitive outcomes across three chemical components of ZSS using the Tau784 tauopathy model.