The study of neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanism of Naoshuantong capsule on ischemia stroke mice

Background Naoshuantong capsule (NSTC) is an oral Chinese medicine formula composed of Typhae Pollen, Radix Paeoniae Rubra, Curcumae Radix, Gastrodiae Rhizoma and Radix Rhapontici. It has been widely used at the acute and recovery stage of ischemic stroke since 2001. Comparing with its wide clinical application, there are only few studies emphasize on investigating its pharmacological effects. Methods To more generally elucidate the underlying mechanisms in this study, we identified active ingredients in NSTC by a network pharmacology approach based on transcriptomics analysis and pharmacological experiments. Modified neurological severity scores and morphometric analysis using Nissl staining were employed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of NSTC on ischemia stroke in mice. Results The results showed that NSTC had preventive and protective effects on ischemia stroke, featuring repair of brain tissue during the sub-acute stage of stroke. This may attribute to the underlying mechanisms including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic activities, as well as an attenuation of excitatory amino acids (EAAs) toxicity of the active ingredients, especially the most active apigenin, from NSTC. Specifically, naringenin, calycosin, gastrodin, caffeic acid, paeoniflorin, and beta-elemene seem to be also pharmacological active substances responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects. Meanwhile, 13-hydroxygemone, gastrodin, and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol contributed to the attenuation of EAAs toxicity Furthermore, apigenin, naringenin, calycosin, gastrodin, and beta-elemene accelerated the repair of brain ischemic tissue by up-regulating the expression of TGF-beta 1 levels. Conclusions The present study identifies the active ingredients of NSTC and illustrates the underlying mechanism using a combination of network pharmacology, transcriptomics analysis, and pharmacological experiments.