Role of Plant Extracts in Treatment of Cerebral Ischemia

Stroke is a major cause of disability and the third leading cause of mortality in human. In recent decades, the incidence of stroke has significantly increased especially in developing countries. Approximately 20% of patients die within one month after the stroke. Moreover, patients who live more than six months are dependent others for their daily work. They have complications such as paralysis of a body part, impairment of memory, thinking, talking and moving. Due to the complex pathological process of ischemia, using a single agent in the treatment of ischemia does not seem ideal. Thus, studies for finding compounds and effective methods are growing. In recent years, attention to medicinal plants as a potential source in treatment of ischemia–reperfusion has increased. Here, association between medicinal plants with reduction of cerebral ischemia was reviewed. At the end, it was determined potential of medicinal plants in abrogation of cerebral ischemia through several different pathways. Thus, they can be a new source for production of medications against cerebral ischemia.