attenuating nf-κb/vcam-1 expression in the middle cerebral artery occlusion model by viola odorata: protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Introduction: the death of neurons and cerebral edema are the main consequences of stroke. however, inflammatory processes play key roles in aggravating cerebral damage following a stroke. this study aimed to investigate the effects of viola odorata extract (voe) on the infarct volume (iv), neurologic deficits (nd), and the expression of nf-κb and vcam-1 in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (mcao) model. methods: the animals were randomly separated into 6 groups: (1) control group, (2) vehicletreated group, (3) mcao group, (4) voe25 group, (5) voe50 group, and (6) voe75 group (n= 12). voe (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg) and distilled water were administered daily for 30 days. two hours after the last gavage, the rats were exposed to mcao for 60 minutes. twenty-four hours later, iv, nd, and nf-κb/vcam-1 expressions were evaluated. results: viola odorata extract exhibited excellent neuroprotective effects by reducing iv (mainly in the core and subcortex areas), and induced downregulation of nf-κb and vcam-1 expression. conclusion: viola odorata could also activate intracellular pathways, reducing the expression of nf-κb and vcam-1. it is useful for developing a novel medical herb for treating cerebral ischemia.