The Role of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Enhancing Neurogenesis: Mechanisms and Applications

BACKGROUND: Adult neurogenesis, critical for neural repair and functional plasticity, is impaired in neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI). OBJECTIVE: This review summarizes the physiological basis of adult neurogenesis and photobiomodulation (PBM) fundamentals, clarifies PBM-induced neurogenesis mechanisms, evaluates its pre-clinical/clinical efficacy and safety, and addresses translational challenges to support clinical translation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We synthesized relevant literature, covering adult neurogenesis characteristics, PBM principles/mechanisms, pre-clinical studies in disorder models, clinical safety/efficacy data, and comparisons with conventional neurogenic therapies. CONCLUSIONS: PBM promotes neurogenesis via regulating neural stem cell activity, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress. Pre-clinical/clinical evidence confirms its safety and efficacy; despite parameter and long-term safety challenges, it has great potential in neuroregenerative medicine.