[Research progress in neuroprotective effects of Bacopa monnieri active components and derivatives in neurological...

Bacopa monnieri, a plant of Scrophulariaceae, has a long history of medicinal use and is recognized as a traditional medicinal herb in multiple countries. Neurological disorders, due to their extensive damage to neural functions, have become a major public health challenge and garnered worldwide attention. In ancient times, B. monnieri was documented for treating cognitive and memory impairments. Recent studies have elucidated its pharmacological mechanisms and therapeutic targets underpinning the neuroprotective effect. However, the molecular mechanisms of its active ingredients have not been systematically summarized. This study is the first to integrate the target sites of its core ingredients across multiple categories of neurological disorders. It summarizes the pharmacological mechanisms of B. monnieri as well as its active ingredients and derivatives in various neurological diseases, which exert neuroprotective effects through multi-target interactions. This paper provides novel strategies for developing botanical drugs targeting diseases like Alzheimer's and epilepsy and aims to offer evidence-based guidance for the development and application of B. monnieri in functional foods, health supplements, and pharmaceuticals.