[Progress of study on brain protective effect and mechanism of Polygonum multiflorum]

This paper reviews the brain protective effect and mechanism of Polygonum multiflorum (PM), its extracts and active component, tetrahydroxystilbene-glucoside (2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-beta-D-glucoside) published in recent decade. They have major effects as calcium channel antagonists, antioxidant, cholinomimetic drugs and cholinesterase inhibitors, as well as actions in regulating cell apoptosis and prolonging the ageing. The brain protective mechanism of PM is multi-target, multi-link and multi-way. Therefore, PM has great applicative value in prevention and treatment of senile neuropathies, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and vascular dementia, etc.