Background Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is classified in ICD-11 (8A20), is a brain disorder involving progressive degeneration of nerve cells, accumulation of protein aggregates, synaptic failure, and disturbed cellular homeostasis. Current therapies provide limited symptomatic relief and do not halt the progression of the disease Objective To analyze Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-derived bioactive compounds, elucidate their molecular modes of action and pharmacological targets, and assess their suitability for AD therapy. Methods This review evaluates mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical evidence associated with standardized TCM-derived bioactive compounds with defined composition Results Key bioactive compounds such as ginsenosides ( Panax ginseng ), ginkgolides ( Ginkgo biloba ), tanshinones ( Salvia miltiorrhiza ), and salidroside ( Rhodiola rosea ) exhibit neuroprotective benefits in preclinical studies by reducing amyloid deposits, tau pathology, and synaptic dysfunction, although clinical evidence remains limited for such benefits. Standardized extracts (e.g., EGb 761) not only enhance clinical relevance but also enable advanced delivery systems that improve bioavailability and penetration across the blood-brain barrier. The review proposes a translational framework that connects TCM bioactives to molecular targets. Conclusion Bioactive components isolated from TCM show promising therapeutic potential as new drugs for AD; further evidence regarding their clinical effectiveness remains necessary. There are several hurdles, including product quality control, drug absorption, metabolism, and excretion, as well as clinical trials, that need to be addressed for the successful clinical adoption and evidence-based use of TCM-derived active compounds in AD therapy.
Kumar et al. (Mon,) studied this question.