Dietary Supplement with Tribulus terrestris L. Extract Exhibits Protective Effects on Ischemic Stroke Rats

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) extract is a common herbal supplement.
• Previous studies suggest gross saponins of TT (GSTTF) protect against ischemic stroke.
• The precise mechanism of GSTTF's neuroprotective action remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of GSTTF in ischemic stroke.
• To identify specific pathways and gene targets affected by GSTTF treatment.

Main Methods:

• Employed molecular biology and unbiased transcriptomics on rat brain tissues.
• Analyzed mRNA expression using transcriptomics following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model.
• Identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to understand treatment effects.

Main Results:

• GSTTF treatment significantly reduced elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and calcium ion (Ca2+) levels post-MCAO.
• Identified 61 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to GSTTF.
• GSTTF reversed abnormal mRNA expression in ischemic stroke models, likely via calcium ion suppression and inhibition of the MyD88/IKK/NF-κB pathway.

Conclusions:

• This study reveals the mechanistic basis for GSTTF's efficacy in ischemic stroke.
• Findings expand the potential medicinal applications of GSTTF.
• The results support the use of GSTTF as a dietary supplement for stroke management.