Volume 4 Issue 2

Purpose: This study aims to discuss the application value of the synergistic herb pairing concept of traditional Chinese medicine in treating Parkinson's disease and analyses its differences from and potential advantages over conventional Western therapies. From the perspective of synergistic herb pairings, this study takes three classic herb pairings, including the Tianma-and-Gouteng (Gastrodia-and-Uncaria) pairing, the Shudi-and-Yurou (Rehmannia-and-Cornus) pairing, as well as the Shaoyao-and-Gancao (Paeonia-Glycyrrhiza) pairing, as examples to examine and summarize the pairing rules, chemical pharmacology, and clinical efficacy. Results: Through different formula combinations, it is found that mutually reinforcing herb pairings can enhance clinical efficacy. Meanwhile, new active compounds formed during the decoction process, such as 4-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol extracted from Gastrodia elata and Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharide produced during the processing of prepared Rehmannia root, exhibit stronger anti-neuronal apoptosis and neuroprotective effects. Conclusion: The concept of synergistic herb pairings in traditional Chinese medicine exerts therapeutic effects through multi-target mechanisms, showing unique advantages in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In particular, it demonstrates clinical value in slowing disease progression and alleviating non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances and constipation. By integrating modern extraction technologies with optimized herb pairings, it can further enhance clinical efficacy and improve patients' quality of life.

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