Research progress of small-molecule natural medicines for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
10.1016/S1875-5364(25)60801-6
- Author:
Kui LIU
1
;
Ling WANG
1
;
Tao PANG
2
Author Information
1. State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
2. State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China. Electronic address: tpang@cpu.edu.cn.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Antioxidants;
Ischemic stroke;
Natural medicines;
Neuroinflammation.;
Small molecule
- MeSH:
Humans;
Ischemic Stroke/physiopathology*;
Animals;
Neuroprotective Agents/therapeutic use*;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*;
Biological Products/therapeutic use*;
Stroke/drug therapy*
- From:
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.)
2025;23(1):21-30
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Stroke is the second leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, imposing a substantial socioeconomic burden on individuals and healthcare systems. Annually, approximately 14 million people experience stroke, with ischemic stroke comprising nearly 85% of cases, of which 10% to 20% involve large vessel occlusions. Currently, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) remains the only approved pharmacological intervention. However, its utility is limited due to a narrow therapeutic window and low recanalization rates, making it applicable to only a minority of patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies, including pharmacological advancements and combinatory treatments. Small-molecule natural medicines, particularly those derived from traditional Chinese herbs, have demonstrated significant therapeutic potential in ischemic stroke management. These compounds exert multiple neuroprotective effects, such as antioxidation, anti-inflammatory action, and inhibition of apoptosis, all of which are critical in mitigating stroke-induced cerebral damage. This review comprehensively examines the pathophysiology of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and highlights the recent progress in the development of small-molecule natural medicines as promising therapeutic agents for cerebral ischemic stroke.
