Paeoniae Radix Alba-Chuanxiong Rhizoma herbal pair alleviates trigeminal nucleus caudalis neuroinflammation in chronic migraine associated with P2Y12R/PPARγ-related NF-κB signaling.

Chronic migraine involves neuroinflammation in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, or TNC. The herbal pair Paeoniae Radix Alba and Chuanxiong Rhizoma is commonly used for treatment. This study examined the effects of this herbal pair on TNC neuroinflammation. Researchers used a nitroglycerin-induced rat model to assess its anti-migraine effects. Behavioral tests and molecular analyses were conducted to evaluate inflammation changes. Results showed that the herbal pair alleviated migraine-like behaviors and pain sensitization. Medium- and high-dose groups had reduced head-scratching episodes and increased mechanical withdrawal thresholds. The herbal pair decreased CGRP and c-Fos expression by 16% to 55%. It also lowered TNF-α and IL-1β levels while increasing IL-10 and TGF-β levels. Ben and SENI, detected in the TNC, showed promising effects on inflammatory markers. These findings suggest the herbal pair may effectively target neuroinflammation in chronic migraine. Clinical relevance: This research indicates that a herbal treatment may help reduce chronic migraine-related neuroinflammation, potentially improving patient outcomes.