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

human cells for transplantation. However, this property is significantly better results in preventing disease progression
a double-edged sword, as uncontrolled proliferation post- and improving neurological function. Long-term follow-up
transplantation can lead to tumor formation, with even a studies indicate that many patients remain free of disease
few residual PSCs potentially causing teratomas. Because activity for more than five years after undergoing this
PSCs have a high capacity for rapid growth and a risk of treatment. Although the results are promising, the
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forming tumors, they are not used directly in treatments. procedure carries significant risks and is intended for
Instead, they are differentiated into specific, fully developed individuals with highly active disease. 44,45 Clinical trials that
cell types before being utilized. 23 investigate the safety and feasibility of MSCs have also been
conducted. Administering autologous MSCs through
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Numerous preclinical and clinical investigations have
examined the safety, effectiveness, and practical application an intravenous injection is generally well-tolerated and
of diverse types of stem cells in the therapeutic management shows promise in lowering inflammation and enhancing
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of neurological conditions, including AD, PD, 25,26 neuroprotection. However, larger randomized
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multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebrovascular accident, 28,29 controlled trials are necessary to verify the long-term safety
Huntington’s disease, and spinal cord injury. 31,32 So and effectiveness of MSC-based therapies in treating MS.
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far, only a few small-scale clinical trials have examined 3. Herbal ingredients of Chinese medicine
the safety and practicality of using stem cell therapies in and their neurogenic effects
patients diagnosed with AD. A Phase I trial utilizing MSCs
derived from human umbilical cord blood indicated that Having been utilized and practiced continuously for
repeated intravenous infusions were both safe and well- millennia, TCM offers a rich repository of herbal remedies
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tolerated, with a noted stabilization of cognitive function known for their therapeutic benefits. Among these,
among participants. A separate Phase I clinical trial certain herbal ingredients have garnered attention for their
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tested autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem neurogenic effects, which are crucial for promoting the
cells. The trial showed that these cells are safe and may help growth, development, and regeneration of nervous tissue.
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reduce cognitive decline in people with mild to moderate Herbs such as Ginkgo biloba, Rhodiola, and ginsenoside
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AD. The preliminary trials have limitations due to a small Rg1 have been researched for their potential to promote
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number of participants, insufficient control groups, and neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and overall brain plasticity.
short follow-up periods. These factors make it challenging These properties make them promising candidates for
to draw definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of the treatment and management of neurological disorders,
stem cell therapies for AD. 35 including AD and other forms of cognitive decline.
Many clinical studies have evaluated the safety and 3.1. Curcumin
effectiveness of stem cell therapies for people with PD. Curcumin is a molecule derived from Curcuma longa
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Initial research using fetal ventral mesencephalic tissue as a polyphenolic ingredient. Curcumin reduces the
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grafts showed mixed results. Some patients experienced release of stimulated glutamate from synaptosomes
long-lasting improvements, while others developed in the rat prefrontal cortex by inhibiting presynaptic
movement disorders due to the grafts. 36,37 Recent studies voltage-gated N-type CaV1.2 and CaV1.2 channels.
using dopaminergic progenitors derived from human This effect is comparable to that of the antidepressant
embryonic stem cells have shown promising results. fluoxetine, potentially by preventing glutamate release
A Phase 1/2 clinical trial verified that the transplanted from nerve terminals. J147, a derivative of curcumin,
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cells are safe and effective, and some improvements in is a powerful drug candidate with neurogenic and
motor function were observed. Separately, a Phase 1 neuroprotective properties. Originally developed to treat
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clinical trial is currently in progress to assess the safety neurodegenerative diseases related to aging, this derivative
and efficacy of these cell-based treatments. Furthermore, affects multiple pathways involved in the development
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clinical investigation using autologous iPSCs to generate of diabetic neuropathy. Curcumin effectively prevents
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dopaminergic neurons is currently being planned. 40 oxidative stress, reduces mitochondrial dysfunction, and
Many clinical studies have examined the safety and prevents nerve cell death caused by the loss of trophic
effectiveness of stem cell treatments for people with MS. 41,42 support in cell culture models. 55,56 It reverses cognitive
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation decline in a mouse model of AD and improves memory
(aHSCT) is being investigated as a potential treatment in both genetically modified AD mice and older wild-type
for severe forms of MS, aiming to reset the immune mice. In addition, J147 helps reduce inflammation and
system and slow the progression of disease. Compared to slows down age-related metabolic decline in older mice,
traditional disease-modifying therapies, aHSCT has shown and exhibits neurogenic properties. 57,58

Volume 4 Issue 2 (2025) 3 doi: 10.36922/gpd.4835