Research Progress on the Pharmacological Mechanism of Chinese Herbal Medicine Mulberry Branch in the Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Abstract

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common and potentially serious chronic complication of diabetes, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Current clinical treatments for DPN have limitations, while traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) using mulberry branches has demonstrated unique advantages and potential in treating DPN. This paper systematically reviews the current research progress on the pharmacological mechanisms of mulberry twig in treating DPN, including its main chemical components, and the mechanisms through which it exerts therapeutic effects via multiple pathways such as antioxidant stress, anti-inflammatory effects, improvement of microcirculation, regulation of glucose metabolism, and promotion of nerve regeneration. It also analyzes the existing issues in current research and outlines future research directions, aiming to further provide theoretical basis for the use of mulberry twig in treating DPN.