ABSTRACT
Object To study the protective effects of glycosides of cistanche (GCs) on focal cerebral ischemic rats. Methods Focal cerebral ischemia in rats was induced by 24 h occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). The infarct area was measured by nitrobenzene thiocyanate (NBT) staining technique. The content of neurological deficits was evaluated by 0-11 scales. The activities of antioxidases and contents of MDA in ischemic brain tissue were analyzed. Results Significant decrease in infarct area and improvement in neurological deficits were observed by oral administration of GCs 125, 250 mg/kg, respectively. Significant increase in activities of SOD and GSH-Px, and significant decrease in contents of MDA in rats were also observed after 24 h MCAO. Conclusion GCs has a neuroprotective effect against focal cerebral ischemia and the effect may be related to the increase in activities of SOD and GSH-Px.