中文摘要：

脑内氨基酸是中枢神经系统内重要的神经递质，其通过对神经元兴奋性和抑制性的控制在认知活动过程中发挥着举足轻重的作用。本义综述了兴奋性氨基酸神经递质谷氨酸和天门冬氨酸及其受体，抑制性氨基酸γ-氨基丁酸和受体，以及牛磺酸在认知活动中的最新进展；综述了填精补髓、健脾补肾、益气活血化瘀涤痰、芳香开窍、宁脑安神等不同治则的中药通过凋节脑内氨基酸类神经递质的含量或受体的活化程度．从而改善认知功能和减轻脑病变后损伤。全面认识中医药对氨基酸类神经递质的影响将有益于认知障碍类疾病的防治。

英文摘要：

Amino acids in the brain are important neurotransInitters which plays pivotal roles through regulating the excitement or inhibition of neurons in the central nervous system. This paper reviews the latest progress of the excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter including glutamate, aspartate and their related receptors, inhibitory amino acid γ- amino butyric acid and its receptors, and the taurine in cognitive activities. Meanwhile, the paper also summarizes that Chinese herbs of different therapeutic principles （replenish essence and marrow, strengthen the spleen and tonify the kidney, supplement Qi and activate blood circulation, disperse blood stasis and resolve phlegm, induce resuscitation with aroma, ease brain and clam soul） improve the mechanism of cognitive function by adjusting the contents of amino acid neurotransmitters or modulating the activation degree of their receptors. The comprehensive understanding effects of traditional Chinese medicine on amino acid neurotransmitters will be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment diseases.