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Oxidative Stress in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 and Its Attenuation by Herbal Remedies in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Systematic Review

Summary

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 is a serious brain disease that causes movement problems and gets worse over time. Current medications help but often have unpleasant side effects. This review examined fifteen traditional Chinese herbal remedies that show promise in protecting nerve cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, a harmful chemical process in the body. These herbs work through multiple protective mechanisms and may eventually be tested in patients.

Background

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor incoordination and progressive functional disabilities. Current pharmacological interventions for SCA3 management have promising prospects but may cause unbearable adverse effects. Herbal remedies in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may serve as potential alternative medicines to delay disease progression.

Objective

This systematic review aims to identify, appraise, and summarize findings of studies pertaining to the therapeutic roles of herbal remedies in TCM targeting oxidative stress in the management of SCA3. The review examines preclinical models and modes of action contributing to the attenuation of oxidative stress.

Results

Fifteen herbal remedies demonstrated therapeutic potential for SCA3: Brassica napus, Codonopsis pilosula, Curcuma sp., Gardenia jasminoides, Gastrodia elata, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza inflata, Hericium erinaceus, Hyptis sp., Paeonia lactiflora, Panax ginseng, Poria cocos, Pueraria lobata, Rehmannia glutinosa, and Scrophularia ningpoensis. Mechanisms of action include activation of antioxidant pathways, ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy, regulation of apoptosis, mitochondrial function restoration, and neurotransmission enhancement.

Conclusion

Herbal remedies in TCM show promise in potentially delaying SCA3 progression through multiple mechanisms targeting oxidative stress. These preclinical findings provide justification for advancing to clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM herbal remedies in SCA3 patients.
  • Published in:Antioxidants (Basel),
  • Study Type:Systematic Review,
  • Source: PMID: 38539908, DOI: 10.3390/antiox13030375
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