Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have unique efficacy and advantages for treating diseases of central nervous system. In recent years, some researches focused on neural stem cells and neurogenesis. The researches about TCM for influencing neural stem cells biological characteristics and common neurological diseases were reviewed.

Adenosine is an important signaling molecule of the central nervous system (CNS). Adenosine typically released in the phosphorylated form(ATP), together with neurotransmitter, both of which are encapsulated in the synaptic vesicles. Once released into the synaptic space, adenosine molecules will bind to their three categories of receptors, namely A1 receptor (A1R), A2 receptor (A2R), A3 receptor (A3R), and therefore start G protein mediated signaling pathways, resulting in various and extensive biological effects. It has been discovered in recent years that adenosine has a certain level of anti-depression effect, although its mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. This review summarized the researches focusing on anti-depression roles of both adenosine and its receptors.

?receptors are particularly abundant in the CNS. ? receptors have been shown to exhibit such a wide variety of actions as modulating glutaminergic, dopaminergic and cholinergic neurotransmission. They also play an important role in maintaining cell growth and proliferation, learning and memory. Recent evidence suggests the possible involvement of ? receptors in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. More researches are expected to supply new targets for treatment and diagnosis.

The monosialic acid ganglioside GM1 is rich in brain, which participates in the development process of the nerve system and plays wide neuroprotective roles. This article reviews recent reports about six neuroprotective mechanisms including: activating tyrosine kinase receptor——Trk receptor, modulating Ca 2+ homeostasis in cells, reducing the deposition of A? and its toxic roles in brain, inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species, enhancing the activity of Na+,K+-ATPase.