Therapeutic potential of complementary and alternative medicines in peripheral nerve regeneration: A systematic review

Yoon Yen Yow*, Tiong Keat Goh, Ke Ying Nyiew, Lee Wei Lim*, Siew Moi Phang, Siew Huah Lim, Shyamala Ratnayeke, Kah Hui Wong*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Despite the progressive advances, current standards of treatments for peripheral nerve injury do not guarantee complete recovery. Thus, alternative therapeutic interventions should be considered. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are widely explored for their therapeutic value, but their potential use in peripheral nerve regeneration is underappreciated. The present systematic review, designed according to guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols, aims to present and discuss the current literature on the neuroregenerative potential of CAMs, focusing on plants or herbs, mushrooms, decoctions, and their respective natural products. The available literature on CAMs associated with peripheral nerve regeneration published up to 2020 were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. According to current literature, the neuroregenerative potential of Achyranthes bidentata, Astragalus membranaceus, Curcuma longa, Panax ginseng, and Hericium erinaceus are the most widely studied. Various CAMs enhanced proliferation and migration of Schwann cells in vitro, primarily through activation of MAPK pathway and FGF-2 signaling, respectively. Animal studies demonstrated the ability of CAMs to promote peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery, which are partially associated with modulations of neurotrophic factors, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and anti-apoptotic signaling. This systematic review provides evidence for the potential use of CAMs in the management of peripheral nerve injury.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2194
JournalCells
Volume10
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Complementary and alternative medicines
  • Functional recovery
  • Natural products
  • Nerve regeneration
  • Nerve repair
  • Peripheral nerve injury

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