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Review
. 2024 Dec 10;14(12):1579.
doi: 10.3390/biom14121579.

The Role and Mechanism of Metformin in the Treatment of Nervous System Diseases

Hui Li  1   2 , Ruhui Liu  2 , Junyan Liu  1 , Yi Qu  1
Affiliations
Review

The Role and Mechanism of Metformin in the Treatment of Nervous System Diseases

Hui Li et al. Biomolecules. .

Abstract

Nervous system diseases represent a significant global burden, affecting approximately 16% of the world's population and leading to disability and mortality. These conditions, encompassing both central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) disorders, have substantial social and economic impacts. Metformin, a guanidine derivative derived from a plant source, exhibits therapeutic properties in various health conditions such as cancer, aging, immune-related disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, cardiovascular ailments, and more. Recent studies highlight metformin's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, stimulate neurogenesis, and provide beneficial effects in specific neurological disorders through diverse mechanisms. This review discusses the advancements in research on metformin's role and mechanisms in treating neurological disorders within both the central and peripheral nervous systems, aiming to facilitate further investigation, utilization, and clinical application of metformin in neurology.

Keywords: metformin; nervous system diseases; pharmacological mechanism; therapeutic effect.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The mechanism of metformin in the treatment of central nervous system diseases. Solid arrows represent facilitation; T-shaped arrows represent inhibition.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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