Experimental models and plant‑based therapy for experimental cerebral ischemia (Review)

Abstract

Cerebral ischemia is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Available treatments are mainly thrombolytic agents for restoring blood flow to the brain. However, this approach has a very narrow treatment window. Despite extensive research, there is still a need for further investigations to identify and develop novel treatment approaches. The present review aimed to summarize and discuss evidence from the literature regarding the best models with which to study cerebral ischemia and the available herbal sources that may provide potential treatment strategies for cerebral ischemia. The present review was based on research published between 1990 and 2020. Herbal remedies provide a promising research area that warrants further attention from researchers in the field. Different models have been used to investigate the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, and to examine various treatment approaches. The plant kingdom is rich in various phytochemicals with neuroprotective functions. From the literature search performed herein, it can be concluded that middle cerebral and bilateral common carotid artery occlusion models are the most convenient, cost-effective and easily reproducible models. A number of plants, particularly those from Southeast Asia, have used for cerebral ischemia research; however, many more need to be investigated, particularly plants from Africa.

Modeling Central Nervous System Injury In Vitro: Current Status and Promising Future Strategies

“…For the basic understanding of the main mechanisms and the major molecular pathways, in vitro studies have so far proved useful [5], but they cannot mimic the complexity of clinical stroke. Therefore, it is important to have clinically relevant models to fully understand the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke and to develop new therapeutic methods and drugs for stroke treatment [6].…”