Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. With the aging population and the continuous development of risk factors associated with AD, it will impose a significant burden on individuals, families, and society. Currently, commonly used therapeutic drugs such as Cholinesterase inhibitors, N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists, and multiple AD pathology removal drugs have been shown to have beneficial effects on certain pathological conditions of AD. However, their clinical efficacy is minimal and they are associated with certain adverse reactions. Furthermore, the underlying pathological mechanism of AD remains unclear, posing a challenge for drug development. In contrast, natural plant molecules, widely available, offer multiple targeting pathways and demonstrate inherent advantages in modifying the typical pathologic features of AD by influencing the blood–brain barrier (BBB). We provide a comprehensive review of recent in vivo and in vitro studies on natural plant molecules that impact the BBB in the treatment of AD. Additionally, we analyze their specific mechanisms to offer novel insights for the development of safe and effective targeted drugs as well as guidance for experimental research and the clinical application of drugs for the prevention and treatment of AD.

Microbiota-gut-brain axis communication represents another crucial pathway in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), whereby gut microbiota significantly impacts AD pathology by modulating immune, metabolic, digestive, and neurological functions. Although research on treating AD through gut microbiota interventions is advancing, substantial breakthroughs remain limited. Given AD’s complex pathological mechanisms, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) presents a clear advantage with its multi-target effects. During the processes of TCM intake, absorption, and therapeutic action, the gut microbiota serves both as a mediator and as a therapeutic target. However, the mechanisms by which TCM interacts with gut microbiota to exert beneficial effects on AD remain largely unclarified. Here, we review the mechanisms through which TCM may intervene in AD from the perspective of gut microbiota, examining the potential mechanisms and clinical application prospects of Chinese herbal medicine in regulating the gut microbiome. This provides a novel theoretical foundation and methodological support for further research into herbal therapies for AD.

Objectives: This meta-analysis aims to systematically evaluate the impact of resveratrol on postmenopausal women.Methods: We searched seven electronic databases and conducted meta-analyses using Stata 12.0.Results: Ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 928 participants were identified. Resveratrol significantly reduced pain scores (WMD: −2.841, 95% CI: −5.631 to −0.050, p = 0.046), pain VAS scores (WMD: −7.585, 95% CI: −12.912 to −2.257, p = 0.005), PPI scores (WMD: −8.563, 95% CI: −12.866 to −4.261, p < 0.001), and CTX levels (WMD: −0.137, 95% CI: −0.204 to −0.070, p < 0.001). However, no significant effects were observed on cognition and memory (e.g., PVT, ORR, PSM, RAVLT, LSWM, FSS, DCCS, FICA, TMT), mood (depression, overall mood), metabolic parameters (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C), blood pressure, sleep disturbance, menopausal symptoms, SF-36 quality of life, or bone markers ALP and OC.Conclusion: Resveratrol may improve pain and bone metabolism (CTX) in postmenopausal women but did not affect other examined outcomes. Future large-scale trials are needed to confirm these findings and determine optimal dosing and treatment strategies.Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#myprospero, identifier CRD42024566807.