Acetylshikonin from Zicao attenuates cognitive impairment and hippocampus senescence in D-galactose-induced aging mouse model via upregulating the expression of SIRT1.

•AS ameliorated learning and memory deficits of AD mice induced by d-gal.•AS improved the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in aging brain.•AS can inhibit d-gal-induced activation of P53/P21 signaling pathway.•AS can up-regulate the expression of SIRT1 in the hippocampus of mice.