The Role and Molecular Mechanism of Icaritin in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a degenerative disease of the central nervous system, affects approximately 70 million individuals worldwide. As the number of elderly in the population increases, the prevalence and incidence of AD are increasing annually. Although the drugs are currently used to alleviate certain cognitive symptoms, their overall therapeutic efficacy remains unclear. Consequently, there is significant societal demand for safe and effective therapeutic options. Icaritin (ICT), a bioactive compound derived from Epimedium brevicornu Maxim, has anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, anti-neuroinflammatory, anti-aging, and neuroprotective properties. In recent years, it has garnered significant interest because of its potential preventative and therapeutic effects in the context of AD. In this review, we analyze the therapeutic effects of ICT on AD, namely the inhibition of neuroinflammation, effects against oxidative stress and apoptosis, and promotion of cellular autophagy. The aim of this review was to provide a general reference for the research and development of new drugs, in particular ICT, for the prevention and treatment of AD.