The Mechanism of Neuroinflammatory Response in the Pathogenesis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulatory Strategies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/wmyy8y76Keywords:
Neuroinflammatory, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderAbstract
Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pathogenesis. ADHD patients exhibit an imbalance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors, abnormal activation of microglia and astrocytes and the oxidative stress-inflammation vicious cycle. Maternal immune activation and HPA axis disorder interfere with fetal neurodevelopment and also increase the risk. TCM believes that the pathogenesis of the ADHD is "kidney essence deficiency and marrow sea insufficiency", which deeply corresponds to the neuroinflammation framework. Chinese herbal monomers (such as baicalin, magnoculine, and eucommiine) and compound formulas (such as Anshen Dingzhi Ling, and Bu Shen Kai Qiao Fang) can regulate signaling pathways such as MAPK/NF-κB and NLRP3, inhibit glial cell activation, reduce pro-inflammatory factors, repair the blood-brain barrier, and improve ADHD-like behaviors. Acupuncture combined with conventional drugs can alleviate hyperactivity, impulsivity, and learning problems, but the quality of evidence needs to be improved. In the future, more high-quality evidence-based research needs to be explored.
Downloads
References
[1] Zhang Jinsong, et al. Expert Recommendations for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Treatment of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Emotional Problems [J]. Journal of Educational Biology, 2025, 13(4): 241-245.
[2] Casella EB, Casella BB. Unraveling ADHD for the pediatrician. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2026 Mar-Apr;102 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):101464.
[3] Dong Wenwen, Wang Fangfang. The Role of Neuroinflammation in the Pathogenesis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [J]. International Journal of Immunology, 2026, 49(1): 111-115.
[4] Liu Yucin, Wu Dandan, Liu Qianqi. Research Progress on the Mechanism of Neuroinflammatory Response in the Pathogenesis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [J]. Neurological Diseases and Mental Health, 2024, 24(5): 377-380.
[5] Zhang Yongchang, et al. Research Progress on the Relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Inflammation [J]. Chinese Journal of Neuro-psychiatry, 2024, 50(8): 498-503.
[6] Li Xuejun, et al. Research Progress on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Models and Their Pathological Mechanisms [J]. Chinese Comparative Medicine Journal, 2023, 33(5): 145-152.
[7] Li Yaping, et al. Research on the "Kidney System" Pathogenesis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children [J]. Journal of Traditional Chinese Pediatrics, 2012, 8(05): 36-39.
[8] Zhang Yi, Xing Xinxin, Wang Hai. Exploring the Core Pathogenesis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children Based on the Theory of "Kidney Stores Essence and Communicates with the Brain" [J]. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research, 2025, 17(25): 120-126.
[9] Ma Rong, Gu Jinan. Discussion on the TCM Pathogenesis and Treatment Methods of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children [J]. Journal of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2008, 10(12): 29-30.
[10] Zhou Yangyang, et al. Exploring the Mechanism of Acupuncture Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Based on the Theory of "Kidney and Brain Synergistic Interaction" [J]. Journal of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2025, 27(09): 21-25.
[11] Li Yaqun, et al. Discussion on the Pathogenesis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Based on Yin-Yang Theory [J]. Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Pediatrics, 2023, 15(05): 406-409.
[12] Chen Xi, et al. Discussion on the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children Based on the Theory of Motion and Stillness and Fire of Yin [J]. Journal of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2024, 44(12): 2304-2308.
[13] Song Y, Yuan H, Chen T, Lu M, Lei S, Han X. An Shen Ding Zhi Ling Alleviates Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder via Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Jan 18; 11:617581.
[14] Zhang J, Sun R, Xiong Y, Yang Y, Wang J, Zhu K, Ni X, Huang M. A study on the mechanism of Bushen Kaiqiao Formula in modulating microglial activation to alleviate neuroinflammation in ADHD. Biochem Biophys Rep. 2025 Aug 18;43:102211.
[15] Ang L, Kim JT, Kim K, Lee HW, Choi JY, Kim E, Lee MS. Acupuncture for Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Feb 17;59(2):392.
[16] Zhao FY, Xu Y, Kennedy GA, Conduit R, Zhang WJ, Jiang T, Xu P, Ho YS, Fu QQ, Chow CM. Is integrating acupuncture into the management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among children and adolescents now opportune and evidence-based? A systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2025 Jun; 90: 103163.
[17] Chen SC, Yu BY, Suen LK, Yu J, Ho FY, Yang JJ, Yeung WF. Massage therapy for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2019 Feb;42:389-399.
[18] Chen SC, Yu J, Wang HS, Wang DD, Sun Y, Cheng HL, Suen LK, Yeung WF. Parent-administered pediatric Tuina for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in preschool children: A pilot randomized controlled trial embedded with a process evaluation. Phytomedicine. 2022 Jul 20;102:154191.
[19] Mahdavi F, Asgarian FS, Aghajani M. The Effect of Ear Acupressure on Behavioral Problems in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Med Acupunct. 2024 Apr 1;36(2):93-101.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
