Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata), a fundamental herb in traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used to nourish kidney essence and replenish marrow. It is commonly applied in the prevention and treatment of syndromes related to “kidney essence deficiency”. Modern research has revealed its potential therapeutic value in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Given the complex pathological mechanisms of both conditions and the current lack of effective clinical treatments, studies suggest that NDDs and NDs share common neuropathological mechanisms. Traditional Chinese medicine theory posits that “kidney essence deficiency” is a key pathological mechanism underlying both disorders. This article, while reviewing the therapeutic advantages of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata in treating NDDs and NDs, aims to provide an in-depth analysis of its potential biological mechanisms in preventing and treating these two categories of diseases through its action of “tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence”. Furthermore, it seeks to offer new insights into the herb’s role in promoting neurodevelopment and intervening in neurodegenerative processes, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of its pharmacological mechanisms and supporting subsequent drug development. This study also provides scientific evidence for the application of the TCM principles of “tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence” and “treating different diseases with the same method” in the field of neurological disorders, contributing to the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.

Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata  /  neurodevelopmental disorders  /  neurodegenerative diseases  /  kidney essence deficiency  /  tonifying kidney and replenishing essence