Title:Regulatory Role of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Regulated Neuronal Death
Volume: 20
Issue: 3
Author(s): Xiuyu Wu, Ximin Hu, Qi Zhang, Fengxia Liu*Kun Xiong*
Affiliation:
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830001,China
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410013,China
Keywords:
Ischemic, neuronal, injury, Chinese herbal medicine, regulated cell death, paradigm.
Abstract: Ischemic neuronal injury results from a complex series of pathophysiological events, including
oxidative, excitotoxicity, inflammation and nitrative stress. Consequently, many of these
events can induce cell death, including necrosis (unregulated cell death) and apoptosis (a type of regulated
cell death). These are long-established paradigms to which newly discovered regulated cell death
processes have been added, such as necroptosis (a regulated form of necrosis) and autophagydependent
cell death. Moreover, many researchers have targeted products associated with Chinese
herbal medicine at regulated pathways for the treatment of ischemic neuronal injury. In East Asia, these
drugs have been known for centuries to protect and improve the nervous system. Herbal extracts,
especially those used in Chinese herbal medicine, have emerged as new pharmaceuticals for the treatment
of ischemic neuronal injury. Here, we review the evidence from preclinical studies investigating
the neuroprotective properties and therapeutic application of Chinese herbal medicines (Chinese herbal
monomer, extract, and medicinal compounds) and highlight the potential mechanisms underlying their
therapeutic effects via targeting differently regulated cell death pathways. Notably, many herbs have
been shown to target multiple mechanisms of regulated cell death and, in combination, may exert synergistic
effects on signaling pathways, thereby attenuating multiple aspects of ischemic pathology. In
this review, we summarize a generally regulated pathway of cell death as a target for novel natural
herbal regimens against ischemic neuronal injury.
