The primary objective of this review article was to summarize comprehensive information related to the neuropharmacological activity, mechanisms of action, toxicity, and safety of
salidroside in medicine. A number of studies have revealed that
salidroside exhibits neuroprotective activities, including anti-
Alzheimer's disease, anti-
Parkinson's disease, anti-
Huntington's disease, anti-
stroke, anti-depressive effects, and anti-
traumatic brain injury; it is also useful for improving cognitive function, treating addiction, and preventing
epilepsy. The mechanisms underlying the potential protective effects of
salidroside involvement are the regulation of oxidative stress response,
inflammation, apoptosis, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, neurotransmission, neural regeneration, and the
cholinergic system. Being free of side effects makes
salidroside potentially attractive as a candidate drug for the treatment of
neurological disorders. It is evident from the available published literature that
salidroside has potential use as a beneficial therapeutic medicine with high efficacy and low toxicity to the central nervous system. However, the definite target
protein molecules remain unclear, and clinical trials regarding this are currently insufficient; thus, guidance for further research on the molecular mechanisms and clinical applications of
salidroside is urgent.