Traditional Chinese Medicines for Alzheimer's Disease: Current Knowledge, Clinical Applications, and Future Directions.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder that poses a significant challenge to the health of the global aging population. Despite extensive research, the complex mechanisms underlying AD pathogenesis remain largely elusive. In recent years, a growing number of clinical studies have demonstrated the preventive and therapeutic potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) against AD through multiple pathways, targets, and compounds. In this study, we conducted a review of the literature published over the past 20 years through international and domestic databases, including PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, CNKI, SinoMed, Wanfang, and VIP Journal Integration Platform. This review systematically evaluates current research advancements regarding single-herb preparations, bioactive constituents, and compound formulations in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with focused analysis on three therapeutic categories: tonifying herbs, blood-activating and stasis-eliminating agents, as well as orifice-opening, phlegm-resolving, and mind-stabilizing medicinal substances. Furthermore, this review discusses the potential mechanisms underpinning the anti-AD effects of TCMs. By integrating these insights, this review aims to establish a theoretical foundation for the application of TCMs in AD treatment and provide a reference for future pharmacological studies and the development of health-related products.