Effects of Achillea.millefolium on the Consequences of Stroke in Ovarectomized Rats

Introduction: Previous studies indicated estrogen as a protective factor in brain cells. In this study, effect of Yarrow extract (Achillea millefolium), containing a phytoestrogen, were examined on the consequences of stroke in the middle cerebral artery occlusion model in ovariectomized female rats. Methods: In the present study, 32 female Wistar rats weighing 200 to 250 g were randomly divided into 4 groups which included: sham, control(ovariectomized- stroke induced), yarrow(ovariectomized, gavage Achillea millefolium extract dose 500mg/kg and 50mg/kg for a month was given orally to animals). After surgery, infarction volume was measured a week after stroke. Moreover, sensorimotor disorder using paper labels(Sticky test) and neurological disorder via Bederson test at 24, 48 h, and a week after induction of stroke were tested and compared. Results: The results of the current study demonstrated that Achillea millefolium extract with 500 mg/kg dose significantly reduced infarction volume a week after stroke (p