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Gene & Protein in Disease Chinese herbs and stem cells in neurology

traumas manifest across diverse cell types, encompassing 2. Application of stem cell in treatment
embryonic stem cells (ESCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), of neurologic disorders: advantages and
mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and induced pluripotent disadvantages
stem cells (iPSCs). Experimental investigations conducted
in vitro, in vivo, and through clinical trials are undertaken Stem cell-based therapy, a key aspect of regenerative
to elucidate the therapeutic efficacy for a range of medicine, has garnered significant attention due to its
neurological afflictions. 3,4 potential to provide new treatment options for patients
with previously untreatable diseases. As a result, thousands
The research and assessment of stem cells alongside various
delivery methodologies are currently underway to evaluate of clinical trials have been initiated, addressing a wide
range of medical issues, including musculoskeletal and
their potential application in clinical settings pertaining neurological disorders, immune diseases, blood disorders,
to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and additional and degenerative conditions. However, some trials have
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neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease not demonstrated clinical benefits, likely due to inherent
(AD), Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and
cerebrovascular accidents. Previous investigations have limitations of stem cell therapy. These limitations include
5,6
infusion toxicity, immunogenicity, tumorigenic potentials,
demonstrated that the introduction of stem cells into animal and ethical concerns. 18
models afflicted by neurodegenerative disorders has the
potential to enhance the morphology of existing neurons. Stem cells are unspecialized cells present during the
This process promotes the substitution of novel cells, embryonic, fetal, and adult phases of life, which develop
which subsequently release trophic factors and modulate into specialized cells that make tissues and organs. In
7,8
inflammatory responses. Two distinct categories of stem post-natal and adult stages, tissue-specific stem cells
cell-based therapeutic interventions have been delineated reside within differentiated organs and play a key role in
to date: the first category encompasses the stimulation or repairing injuries. The key characteristics of stem cells are
enhancement of endogenous neural progenitor cells to potency, which allows them to differentiate into multiple
facilitate an augmented secretion of trophic factors and cell types. These traits can vary among different stem
growth molecules conducive to tissue regeneration, while cells. For instance, ESCs derived from the blastocyst stage
the second category is centered on the transplantation of exhibit greater self-renewal and potency, while adult tissue
9,10
exogenous stem cells. Since many medications are not stem cells have restricted self-renewal capability and can
very effective and may induce side effects, the development only differentiate into specific tissue cells. 19
of new drugs based on phytochemicals is gaining attention. 11 Among the various types of stem cells, pluripotent
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a major stem cells (PSCs) are distinguished by their exceptional
alternative medicine, is widely practiced in Chinese capacity to divide and differentiate into any cell type
communities and accepted in Western medicine. While within an organism, including embryonic structures, but
the exact origins of TCM are unknown, archeological are not capable of forming extra-embryonic structures
discoveries revealed that acupuncture needles and a like the placenta; examples include ESCs derived from
few herbs have been applied for approximately 4000 – preimplantation embryos and iPSCs, which are generated
8000 years. TCM’s holistic approach to neurodegenerative from adult cells reprogrammed to an embryonic-like state.
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diseases leverages the synergistic effects of multiple herbal PSCs vary in their potency, ranging from fully pluripotent
components to target systemic organs. For instance, herbs cells to those with reduced potency, such as multi-, oligo-,
such as curcumin and resveratrol are used to improve or uni-potent cells. iPSCs, created from somatic cells,
memory, while quercetin is believed to enhance cognitive exhibit similar function to PSCs and offer significant
13
14
function. Research has demonstrated that monomers, potential for regenerative medicine. Their activity is often
botanical extracts, or combinations of Chinese herbal assessed using the teratoma formation assay. 20,21
monomers, as well as instruments utilized in traditional Recent advancements in stem cell biology have enabled
Chinese medicine, possess the capability to modulate stem the differentiation of PSCs, such as ESCs and iPSCs,
cell proliferation and differentiation to a certain degree. 15,16 into neural progenitor or NSC-like cells for therapeutic

The primary aim of this scholarly article is to enhance purposes. NSCs, being the most logical choice for treating
the body of research pertaining to the application of neurological disorders, are unfortunately located deep
TCM in the modulation of stem cell proliferation and within the adult brain, making them inaccessible for
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differentiation within the context of neurodegenerative harvesting and autologous therapeutic applications. One
disorders. In pursuit of this objective, the article elucidates significant advantage of PSCs is their ability to proliferate
the implications of TCM on stem cell behavior. indefinitely, allowing for the production of billions of various

Volume 4 Issue 2 (2025) 2 doi: 10.36922/gpd.4835