Polyphenols for the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke: New Applications and Insights

Abstract

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Currently, the main therapeutic strategy involves the use of intravenous thrombolysis to restore cerebral blood flow to prevent the transition of the penumbra to the infarct core. However, due to various limitations and complications, including the narrow time window in which this approach is effective, less than 10% of patients benefit from such therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies, with neuroprotection against the ischemic cascade response after IS being one of the most promising options. In the past few decades, polyphenolic compounds have shown great potential in animal models of IS because of their high biocompatibility and ability to target multiple ischemic cascade signaling pathways, although low bioavailability is an issue that limits the applications of several polyphenols. Here, we review the pathophysiological changes following cerebral ischemia and summarize the research progress regarding the applications of polyphenolic compounds in the treatment of IS over the past 5 years. Furthermore, we discuss several potential strategies for improving the bioavailability of polyphenolic compounds as well as some essential issues that remain to be addressed for the translation of the related therapies to the clinic.

Eriodictyol: a review of its pharmacological activities and molecular mechanisms related to ischemic stroke

“…[9][10][11] Recently, due to the prominent effect of polyphenols in IS, there has been increasing interest in the protective activity of polyphenols in IS. 12 Eriodictyol (ERD) is a kind of natural polyphenolic compound that is abundantly present in a series of citrus fruits (lemon, citrus, grapefruit) and vegetables [13][14][15] and medical plants at excellent concentrations. [16][17][18] ERD has several remarkable biological peculiarities, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, neuroprotection, and cardiovascular protection, suggesting its potential for IS treatment.…”

The Therapeutic Effects of Blueberry-Treated Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Ischemic Stroke

“…Blueberries provide a promising means to increase EV production by MSCs. Contained in blueberry, flavonoids, and polyphenols have been reported to have therapeutic effects on neurological disease [ 78 , 79 ]. A benefit of blueberry supplements in cardiovascular disease was demonstrated using randomized controlled trials and discovered the regulating of inflammatory factors [ 51 ].…”

Identification of cholest-4-ene-3,6-dione as a Novel Neuroprotectant in Ischemic Stroke and Its Lipidomics

“…1 Clinically, approximately 75% of strokes are caused by focal cerebral ischemia due to arterial occlusion. 2 The current approaches for ischemic stroke mainly include restoration of blood flow, neuroprotection, and cell replacement therapies throughout the acute recovery progress, 3,4 during which neuroprotection is considered an indispensable treatment.…”