Neuroprotective potential of Mucuna pruriens in cerebral ischemia: Evidence from animal models and implications for translational neuropharmacology

Cerebral ischemia is a major neurological condition that contributes significantly to global morbidity and mortality. It occurs due to reduced blood supply to the brain, leading to neuronal injury and death. The pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia is complex and involves oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. Despite advances in medical management, effective neuroprotective therapies remain limited, creating a need to explore alternative approaches. Mucuna pruriens is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine, known for its rich content of bioactive compounds, including levodopa, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic antioxidants. These compounds are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This review summarizes the available evidence from animal model studies on the role of M. pruriens in the management of cerebral ischemia. The literature indicates that M. pruriens can reduce oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, and by decreasing lipid peroxidation. Histopathological findings suggest that it helps preserve neuronal structure, particularly in vulnerable brain regions such as the hippocampus. Behavioral studies also demonstrate improvements in motor function, coordination, and cognitive performance following treatment with M. pruriens. These effects are mainly attributed to its ability to scavenge free radicals, modulate neurotransmitter levels, and regulate inflammatory pathways. Although the findings from animal studies are promising, variations in experimental design, dosage, and extraction methods limit the consistency of results. In addition, the lack of standardized formulations and clinical evidence restricts its direct application in human patients. In conclusion, M. pruriens shows potential as a natural neuroprotective agent in cerebral ischemia. However, further well-designed experimental and clinical studies are required to establish its safety, efficacy, and standardized therapeutic use.