Neuroprotective Effects and Mechanisms of Alpiniae oxyphyllae Fructus, a Medicinal and Edible Homologous Herb:...

Neurological diseases, which include various neurodegenerative disorders, not only impair patients' physical health but also impact their psychological and social functions. It is particularly urgent to seek effective prevention and treatment strategies for neurological diseases. Alpiniae oxyphyllae Fructus (AOF), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been widely used in treating urinary, digestive, and neurological disorders. Contemporary medical research has demonstrated that AOF exerts neuroprotective effects through multiple mechanisms, including by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis, alleviating neuroinflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and regulating nerve cell dynamic balance. In recent years, substantial advancements have been achieved in investigations concerning the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of AOF, alongside significant breakthroughs in its clinical applications. This review systematically summarizes the neuroprotective effects of AOF and delineates its clinical applications, thereby offering valuable reference and guidance for the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases using AOF.