Chronic neuroinflammation has been shown to exert adverse influences on the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), associated with the release of abundant proinflammatory mediators by excessively activated microglia, causing synaptic dysfunction, neuronal degeneration, and memory deficits. Thus, the prevention of microglial activation‐associated neuroinflammation is important target for deterring neurodegenerative disorders. Peony seed oil (PSO) is a new food resource, rich in α‐linolenic acid, the precursor of long chain omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, which exhibit anti‐inflammatory properties by altering cell membrane phospholipid fatty acid compositions, disrupting lipid rafts, and inhibiting the activation of the proinflammatory transcription factor NF‐κB. However, few studies have examined the anti‐neuroinflammatory effects of PSO in AD, and the relevant molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Presenilin1/2 conditional double knockout (PS cDKO) mice display obvious AD‐like phenotypes, such as neuroinflammatory responses, synaptic dysfunction, and cognitive deficits. Here, we assessed the potential neuroprotective effects of PSO against neuroinflammation‐mediated cognitive deficits in PS cDKO using behavioral tests and molecular biologic analyses. Our study demonstrated that PSO suppressed microglial activation and neuroinflammation through the down‐regulation of proinflammatory mediators, such as inducible NOS, COX‐2, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α, in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of PS cDKO mice. Further, PSO significantly lessened memory impairment by reversing hyperphosphorylated tau and synaptic proteins deficits in PS cDKO mice. Importantly, PSO's therapeutic effects on cognitive deficits were due to inhibiting neuroinflammatory responses mediated by NF‐κB signaling pathway. Taken together, PSO may represent an effective dietary supplementation to restrain the neurodegenerative processes of AD.

Objectives. Guizhi Fuling Formulation (GZFL), a traditional Chinese medical formulation, consists of Cinnamomi Ramulus, Paeoniae Radix Alba (or Paeoniae Radix Rubra), Moutan Cortex, Persicae Semen, and Poria, with multiple therapeutic functions such as sedation, antitumor activity, anti-inflammation, and neuroprotection. However, its clinical applications remain relatively fragmented, and the underlying mechanisms of GZFL in different diseases are still not very certain. Further research and summary in both application and mechanisms remain to be needed for human health and the best use of GZFL. Therefore, we summarized the multiple pharmacologic effects and possible mechanisms of action of GZFL according to recent 17 years of research. Methods. We retrieved four English and two Chinese databases using these keywords (the formulation name or its synonyms) and searched articles written in English from January 2006 up to February 2022. Key Findings. GZFL exhibits multiple pharmacologic advantages in gynecologic diseases and other expanding diseases such as cancer, blood, and vascular disease, renal failure, inflammation, and brain injury. Possibly due to its diverse bioactive components and pharmacologic activities, GZFL could target the multiple signaling pathways involved in regulating blood circulation, inflammatory and immune factors, proliferation, apoptosis, and so on. Conclusion. This review suggests that GZFL displays promising therapeutic effects for many kinds of diseases, which have been beyond the scope of the original prescription for gynecologic diseases. In this way, we wish to provide a reference and recommendation for further preclinic and clinic studies.