Modulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway by using Traditional Chinese Medicines in treating Parkinson's disease: A review of animal model studies

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by intricate pathological mechanisms and progressive deterioration. In recent years, the combination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with Western medicine for PD treatment has emerged as a focal point in clinical and basic research. Different from the substitution effect of Western medicine, numerous TCMs have shown the ability to protect dopaminergic neurons of different animal models by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby exhibiting therapeutic potential in PD across various animal models. This review synthesizes literature concerning the influence of TCMs on the PI3K/AKT pathway for PD treatment in diverse animal models over the past five years. The findings offer insights into the effects of different active components of TCMs on PI3K/AKT pathways and potential of combining TCM with Western medicine for PD treatment, serving as a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers in this field.