Traditional Chinese Medicine and Alzheimer’s Disease: Natural Strategies for Prevention and Slowing Progression

 

Exploring the Role of Herbal Medicine and Traditional Chinese Exercises in Cognitive Health and Neuroprotection

By: Brian S.

Discover how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may help prevent and slow Alzheimer’s disease. Learn about neuroprotective herbs like ginseng and Huperzine A, as well as Tai Chi’s benefits for cognitive function and neuroinflammation. Explore natural strategies backed by research.

Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque deposition, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, synaptic dysfunction, and neuronal loss (Selkoe & Hardy, 2016). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been extensively studied for its potential in promoting neuroprotection, enhancing neurogenesis, reducing amyloid pathology, and modulating inflammatory responses. This chapter explores the key elements of TCM, including herbal medicine and traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs), in the prevention and deceleration of AD progression.

Herbal Medicine and Anti-Amyloidogenesis

Neuroprotective Herbal Compounds in TCM

Several TCM herbal formulations have been reported to exhibit anti-amyloidogenic properties. Ginseng (Panax ginseng), a widely used adaptogen, contains ginsenosides that inhibit Aβ aggregation and enhance Aβ clearance (Zhang et al., 2018). Studies suggest that ginsenoside Rg1 reduces oxidative stress, suppresses neuroinflammation, and enhances synaptic plasticity in Alzheimer’s models (Chen et al., 2019).

Huperzine A, an alkaloid derived from Huperzia serrata, is well-known for its acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity, leading to increased acetylcholine levels in the brain (Wang et al., 2014). Additionally, Huperzine A has demonstrated the ability to mitigate Aβ-induced toxicity and protect hippocampal neurons from apoptosis (Liu et al., 2021).

Another herb, Gastrodia elata, commonly used in TCM for neurological disorders, contains gastrodin, which has been shown to suppress Aβ-induced neurotoxicity and enhance mitochondrial function (Jiang et al., 2022).

Modulating Amyloid Clearance Pathways

TCM herbs may facilitate Aβ clearance through multiple mechanisms. The formula Ba Wei Di Huang Wan (BHDW), composed of Rehmannia glutinosa, Cornus officinalis, and Dioscorea opposita, has been reported to upregulate the expression of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) and neprilysin, both of which are involved in Aβ degradation (Li et al., 2020). Similarly, Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) enhances cerebrovascular perfusion and promotes Aβ clearance via activation of the glymphatic system (Xu et al., 2019).

Enhancing Neurogenesis and Synaptic Plasticity

TCM and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Expression

BDNF is a crucial neurotrophin that supports neuronal survival, differentiation, and synaptic remodeling (Lu et al., 2014). Studies show that various TCM interventions can enhance BDNF expression and improve synaptic plasticity.

For example, the herbal formula Shenwu capsule, containing Ginseng, Cistanche deserticola, and Polygonum multiflorum, has been shown to upregulate BDNF and synaptophysin expression, thereby promoting neurogenesis in AD models (Wang et al., 2021).

Additionally, Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus) has demonstrated neuroprotective properties by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway, leading to increased BDNF levels and enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis (Guo et al., 2017).

Regulating Neural Stem Cell Differentiation

TCM also plays a role in facilitating neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation into functional neurons. Radix Polygoni Multiflori (He Shou Wu) and Epimedium brevicornum (Yin Yang Huo) have been shown to activate Notch and Wnt signaling pathways, promoting NSC proliferation and differentiation (Zhao et al., 2022).

Traditional Chinese Exercises and Cognitive Function

Tai Chi and Qigong: Boosting Neuroplasticity

Traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin Qigong have been associated with enhanced cognitive function and neuroplasticity in aging populations. A meta-analysis found that practicing TCEs significantly increased serum BDNF levels in middle-aged and elderly individuals, suggesting improved neuroprotection and cognitive resilience (Zhang et al., 2023).

A randomized controlled trial also demonstrated that Tai Chi practice improved hippocampal connectivity and cognitive performance in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), highlighting its potential in delaying AD onset (Li et al., 2021).

Regulating Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress

Chronic neuroinflammation and oxidative stress contribute to AD pathogenesis. Studies suggest that Tai Chi and Qigong reduce systemic inflammation by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, which are implicated in AD progression (Yu et al., 2020). Moreover, these practices enhance mitochondrial efficiency, reducing oxidative damage to neuronal cells (Chen et al., 2022).

Conclusion

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a multifaceted approach to AD prevention and progression deceleration through herbal medicine and traditional exercises. TCM herbs such as Ginseng, Huperzine A, Gastrodia elata, and Salvia miltiorrhiza exhibit anti-amyloidogenic and neurogenic properties. Additionally, Tai Chi and Qigong have been shown to enhance BDNF expression, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive function, making them promising non-pharmacological interventions for AD management. Future research should explore personalized applications of TCM interventions and their integration with conventional therapies for optimal neuroprotection.

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References

Chen, L., Wang, Y., Wei, Y., Li, Y., & Wu, Q. (2022) ‘Effects of Tai Chi on neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in elderly individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 14, pp. 1–15.

Chen, S., Zhang, X., & Wang, Y. (2019) ‘Ginsenoside Rg1 improves synaptic plasticity and reduces neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease models’, Neuroscience Bulletin, 35(6), pp. 857–868.

Guo, Y., Chen, S., & Xu, H. (2017) ‘Astragalus membranaceus enhances hippocampal BDNF levels via PI3K/Akt pathway activation’, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 202, pp. 91–99.

Jiang, L., Liu, X., Zhang, W., & Wu, J. (2022) ‘Gastrodia elata extract mitigates amyloid-beta toxicity and enhances mitochondrial function’, Neurobiology of Aging, 122, pp. 32–45.

Li, Q., Zhang, H., & Wang, C. (2020) ‘Ba Wei Di Huang Wan enhances amyloid-beta clearance by upregulating neprilysin and insulin-degrading enzyme’, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 76(1), pp. 211–225.

Li, R., Zhu, X., Yin, S., et al. (2021) ‘Tai Chi training improves cognitive function and hippocampal connectivity in older adults with mild cognitive impairment’, NeuroImage: Clinical, 32, pp. 102–122.

Liu, H., Zhao, X., & Zhang, L. (2021) ‘Huperzine A alleviates amyloid-beta toxicity and protects hippocampal neurons’, Frontiers in Neuroscience, 15, pp. 1–10.

Selkoe, D. J. & Hardy, J. (2016) ‘The amyloid hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease at 25 years’, EMBO Molecular Medicine, 8(6), pp. 595–608.

Wang, H., Li, M., & Yu, X. (2014) ‘Huperzine A: A promising drug for Alzheimer's disease’, Neuropharmacology, 79, pp. 90–98.

Xu, Y., Wang, S., & Wang, H. (2019) ‘Salvia miltiorrhiza improves cerebrovascular circulation and enhances amyloid-beta clearance’, Molecular Neurobiology, 56(4), pp. 2987–3001.

Yu, H., Zhao, X., & Sun, W. (2020) ‘Tai Chi practice reduces systemic inflammation and neurodegeneration in aging populations’, Neurobiology of Aging, 92, pp. 65–75.

Zhang, L., Wang, Y., & Xu, J. (2023) ‘Traditional Chinese exercises and BDNF levels in aging: A meta-analysis’, Journal of Neuroscience Research, 101(4), pp. 521–533.

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