Development of Chinese herbal medicine for sensorineural hearing loss

Yunhao Wu ¹, Jingwen Zhang ², Qiuping Liu ³

⁰State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica. B +

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February 7, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) affects millions globally. Chinese herbal medicine shows promise for treating SNHL by targeting its underlying molecular mechanisms, offering a safe and cost-effective alternative.

Area Of Science

Oto-rhino-laryngology
Pharmacology
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background

Global hearing loss is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, significantly impacting quality of life.
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) results from damage to inner ear hair cells, driven by oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Current therapeutic options for SNHL are limited, with no universally effective drugs available.

Purpose Of The Study

To review current research trends in the use of Chinese herbal medicine for treating SNHL.
To elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which Chinese herbal medicine exerts its therapeutic effects on SNHL.
To identify potential avenues for developing novel SNHL treatments based on traditional Chinese medicine.

Main Methods

Systematic review of existing literature on Chinese herbal medicine and SNHL.
Analysis of molecular pathways implicated in SNHL pathogenesis and targeted by herbal compounds.
Comparative analysis of efficacy, safety, and cost of Chinese herbal medicine versus Western medicine.

Main Results

Chinese herbal medicine demonstrates significant potential in treating SNHL.
Herbal treatments appear to act through mechanisms involving antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial protective pathways.
Chinese herbal medicine offers a safer and more economical approach compared to conventional treatments.

Conclusions

Chinese herbal medicine represents a promising therapeutic strategy for SNHL.
Further research into the molecular mechanisms of these herbs can accelerate the development of new SNHL drugs.
Integrating traditional knowledge with modern science can lead to innovative treatments for hearing loss.

Keywords:

Active ingredients Chinese herbal medicine Hair cells Molecular mechanism Noise Ototoxic drugs Prescriptions Sensorineural hearing loss