熟地黄Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata是滋养肾精、补益精髓的重要药材，应用于辨证属“肾精亏虚”相关证候的防治。现代研究发现，地黄在神经发育障碍（neurodevelopmental disorders，NDDs）及神经退行性疾病（neurodegenerative diseases，NDs）的防治中具有潜在价值。2种疾病病理机制复杂，临床均缺乏有效治疗药物，研究表明二者存在共同的神经病理机制，而传统中医认为二者关键病机为“肾精亏虚”。在综述熟地黄对NDDs及NDs治疗优势的基础上，深入剖析熟地黄通过补肾填精防治这2类疾病的潜在生物学机制，并为熟地黄在促进神经发育与干预神经退行性疾病方面的作用机制提供新见解，促进对其药效机制的深入理解及后续的药物研发。同时，也为传统中医药理论中的“补肾填精”与“异病同治”原则在神经疾病领域的实践应用提供科学依据，推动中医药现代化进程。

Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata), a fundamental herb in traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used to nourish kidney essence and replenish marrow. It is commonly applied in the prevention and treatment of syndromes related to “kidney essence deficiency”. Modern research has revealed its potential therapeutic value in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Given the complex pathological mechanisms of both conditions and the current lack of effective clinical treatments, studies suggest that NDDs and NDs share common neuropathological mechanisms. Traditional Chinese medicine theory posits that “kidney essence deficiency” is a key pathological mechanism underlying both disorders. This article, while reviewing the therapeutic advantages of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata in treating NDDs and NDs, aims to provide an in-depth analysis of its potential biological mechanisms in preventing and treating these two categories of diseases through its action of “tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence”. Furthermore, it seeks to offer new insights into the herb’s role in promoting neurodevelopment and intervening in neurodegenerative processes, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of its pharmacological mechanisms and supporting subsequent drug development. This study also provides scientific evidence for the application of the TCM principles of “tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence” and “treating different diseases with the same method” in the field of neurological disorders, contributing to the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.

R285

湖南省自然科学基金(2024JJ8233); 湖南省中医药科研计划(A2023036); 湖南省卫生健康高层次人才项目(20230448); 2024年湖南省大学生创新创业训练计划(S202410541157); 湖南中医药大学校级创新课题(2025XYLH038)