Gastrodin promotes the secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the injured spinal cord

Gastrodin, derived from tall gastrodia tuber, shows promise in treating conditions like dizziness and stroke due to its neuroprotective qualities. This study explores its effect on spinal cord injury recovery in rats. Using a rat model of spinal cord injury, the study found that gastrodin administration promoted the secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein crucial for neuron survival and growth. The results suggest that gastrodin aids in neurological function recovery and shields neural cells from injury, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for spinal cord injuries.

• 1
  Gastrodin treatment led to increased maximum angle in the inclined plane test and higher Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores, indicating improved motor function in rats with spinal cord injuries.
• 2
  Histological analysis revealed that gastrodin promoted the recovery of spinal cord tissue, with normal nerve cells appearing and cell debris decreasing over time.
• 3
  Immunohistochemistry showed that gastrodin increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the injured spinal cord, suggesting a mechanism for its neuroprotective effects.