Role of Natural Herbs in Stroke Prevention & Treatment

The field of stroke research continues to evolve, and better outcomes are possible and even likely. Over the last two decades, basic science research in the field of stroke has elucidated multiple pathways of cellular injury and repair after cerebral ischemia, resulting in the identification of several promising targets for neuroprotection. Prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases has been one of the primary goals of neuroscience research but unfortunately, to date, no such safe preventive agents are available. There is an urgent need for agents that are pharmacologically safe, cost-effective, and immediately available with minimal side effects. Although a considerable amount of research has been invested into the development of novel treatments capable of protecting the brain from damage following stroke, but with limited success. Currently, the only drug approved for the treatment of ischemic stroke is recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA, alteplase), which has a limited time window for administration and increases the risk for subsequent hemorrhage. This book assesses the immunobiology of stroke, natural herbs and human brain interaction, current evidence for the efficacy of a range of readily available plant-based extracts and chemicals that may improve brain function. They are discussed in terms of how an increased understanding of the relationship between their ecological roles and CNS effects might further the field of natural, phytochemical drug discovery. Numerous neuroprotective treatments have been identified that show great promise in animal models of stroke. In this book, we have also highlighted the promising targets of neuroprotection and the natural products from traditional medicinal herbs that exhibit protective effects on ischemic brain injury. Further the authors discuss the individual herbs, herbal cocktails and the components from herbs in neuroprotection. The book contains many diagrams and tables with highlighting the role of various herbs and their components in neuroprotection. A separate chapter has been included regarding polyphenols in neuroprotection.