Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are neurological disorders characterized by pathological changes in neuronal structure and function, clinically manifesting as varying degrees of cognitive decline and motor impairment. They include conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). With the accelerating pace of global population aging, the incidence of NDs continues to rise annually, and no effective treatments currently exist, imposing a heavy societal burden. Polygonatum , a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with both food and medicinal properties, possesses effects that replenish qi and nourish yin, strengthen the spleen, moisten the lungs, and benefit the kidneys. Modern pharmacological research indicates that Polygonatum and its active components— Polygonatum polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids—exert protective effects against NDs by inhibiting neuroinflammation, mitigating oxidative stress damage, and delaying neuronal aging and apoptosis. This paper summarizes and analyzes the relevant mechanisms of action of Polygonatum and its multiple active components in preventing and treating NDs. It aims to provide a scientific basis for their development and application as therapeutic agents or functional health foods for NDs.
Tang et al. (Sun,) studied this question.