From preclinical stroke models to humans: Polyphenols in the prevention and treatment of stroke

Abstract

Polyphenols are an important family of molecules of vegetal origin present in many me-dicinal and edible plants, which represent important alimentary sources in the human diet. Poly-phenols are known for their beneficial health effects and have been investigated for their potential protective role against various pathologies, including cancer, brain dysfunctions, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The prevention of stroke promoted by polyphenols relies mainly on their effect on cardio-and cerebrovascular systems. However, a growing body of evidence from preclinical models of stroke points out a neuroprotective role of these molecules. Notably, in many preclinical studies, the polyphenolic compounds were effective also when administered after the stroke onset, suggesting their possible use in promoting recovery of patients suffering from stroke. Here, we review the effects of the major polyphenols in cellular and in vivo models of both ischemic and hem-orrhagic stroke in immature and adult brains. The results from human studies are also reported.