Review Article

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Neuroprotection after Brain Insults with Special Reference to Radioprotection

Table 2

Neuroprotection effect of TCM after radiation exposure.

No.Herbs and plant extractMain acting constituentsTest systemBrain insults (radiation source, dose, dose rate)EffectMechanismReferences

1Astragalus membranaceusAstragalus polysaccharides,
Total saponins of Astragalus, etc.
Rat, mouse,
Human, cell
60Co, 4.5Gy/min, 160-170s, one time,
single-dose X-rays exposure of 30 Gy
Improve learning and memory, increase SOD activity, decrease MDAScavenge oxygen free radicals, reduce nitric oxide production[6875]

2Salvia miltiorrhizaTanshinone,
Cryptotanshinone, etc.
Mouse,
Rat,
Human
Varian-600, X-rays, 22GyImprove learning and memoryReduce lipid peroxide in brain tissue and inhibit the adhesion of endothelial cells factor 1 expression[7683]

3Ligusticum chuanxiong HortChuanxiongzine, Ligustilide, etc.HumanPatients had a history of radiotherapy for head and neck cancerReduce radiation encephalopathyImprove microcirculation, expand blood vessels, inhibit the generation of oxygen free radicals[8486]

4BroomrapeErgosterin,
Cistanche glycoside, etc.
Mouse5 Gy 60Co-γImprove viabilityScavenge oxygen free radicals, Strengthen immunity[87]

5Horse Chestnut P.EAescine, etc.HumanPatients had a history of radiotherapy for head cancerPrevent brain edemaStabilize endothelial cells,[88]

6Radix HedysariHedysarum polysaccharide, etc.Rat, Mouse2 Gy 60Co-γIncrease SOD activity, decrease MDAReduce oxidative stress[8991]

7safflowerCarthamin, Safflow yellow, etc.Mouse4 Gy 12C6+Increase SOD activity, decrease MDAReduce oxidative stress[92]

8Arnebiae RadixShikonin, Acetylshikonin, etc.Mouse12C6+ ion beam, dose rate of approximately 0.5 Gy/minImprove the spatial memory deficitsReduce oxidative stress[93]

9GinkgoFlavonoids,
ginkgolides, etc.
Rat12MEV, 20 GyInhibition of brain cell edemaScavenge oxygen free radicals, apoptosis inhibition[9496]

10GinsengGinsenoside, etc.Rat30 GyProtect the hippocampal neuronsInhibit apoptosis[97]

11Kang-fu-lingTotal glucoside of Astragalus, total glucoside of Radix Paeoniae Rubra and TanshinoneRatHPM at 30 mW cm 2 for
15 min
Improve spatial memoryModulate ROS formation and antioxidant enzymes.[98]

12ShenqiCodonopsis polysaccharides,
Astragalus polysaccharides, etc.
MouseA single dose of cranial radiotherapy (CRT) with 20GyImprove the physical status, survival, and spatial learning, attenuate all the CRT-induced changes in the brain tissues.Inhibit NF-κB signaling pathway and microglial activation[99]

13Renal invigoration (978-1)Icariin, Lignin, etc.MouseA single dose of 20 GyPrevent impairment of learning and memoryInhibit apoptosis[100, 101]