Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2025
Author Spotlight: Improving Anesthesia Protocols for Enhanced Mouse Acupuncture Research
Published on: December 8, 2023
Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for cognitive impairment: the microbiome-gut-brain axis and its role
Jiatian Shi1, Xinyue Zhang1, Jianhua Chen2
1Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Cognitive impairment poses a significant burden on individuals, families, and society worldwide. Despite the lack of effective treatment strategies, emerging evidence suggests that the microbiome-gut-brain (MGB) axis may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment. While targeted treatment is not yet comprehensive, recently, acupuncture and moxibustion therapy has participated increasingly in the treatment of degenerative diseases and has achieved a certain therapeutic effect. In this review, the possible mechanisms by which acupuncture and moxibustion therapy may improve cognitive impairment through the MGB axis are reviewed, including regulating gut microbial homeostasis, improving intestinal inflammation mediated by the neuroendocrine-immune system, and enhancing intestinal barrier function. We also discuss common acupoints and corresponding mechanism analysis to provide insights into further exploration of mechanisms that target the MGB axis and thereby intervene in cognitive impairment.
Insights
Acupuncture and moxibustion may improve cognitive impairment by modulating the microbiome-gut-brain axis. This therapy influences gut microbes, inflammation, and intestinal barrier function for neurodegenerative disease treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Cognitive impairment presents a global health challenge with limited effective treatments.
- The microbiome-gut-brain (MGB) axis is increasingly recognized for its role in cognitive decline.
- Acupuncture and moxibustion show therapeutic potential in degenerative diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion in improving cognitive impairment via the MGB axis.
- To explore how this therapy impacts gut microbial homeostasis, inflammation, and intestinal barrier function.
- To identify key acupoints and their mechanistic relevance for MGB axis intervention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on acupuncture, moxibustion, cognitive impairment, and the MGB axis.
- Analysis of proposed biological pathways linking MGB axis modulation to cognitive function.
- Discussion of specific acupoints and their potential therapeutic effects.
Main Results:
- Acupuncture and moxibustion may restore gut microbial balance.
- Therapy can mitigate neuroendocrine-immune-mediated intestinal inflammation.
- Enhanced intestinal barrier function is a potential outcome of treatment.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture and moxibustion offer a promising therapeutic avenue for cognitive impairment by targeting the MGB axis.
- Further research into specific acupoints and mechanisms can optimize MGB-targeted interventions.
- This approach holds potential for managing neurodegenerative diseases.
More Related Videos
05:54Author Spotlight: Exploring Acupuncture in Alzheimer's Research from Thread-Embedding Techniques to Clinical Trials
Published on: May 10, 2024
05:19Author Spotlight: An Effective Traditional Chinese Medicinal Treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Abdominal Distension
Published on: September 1, 2023
