Journal of North Khorasan

Background & Objectives: Stroke is considered the most common neurological disease and also includes the most common cause of mortality among neurosurgical patients. This study assessed the correlation between pumpkin seed oil diet on reducing the permeability of the blood-brain barrier and brain edema in a rat stroke model.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, thirty five male rats (Wistar) were divided into 5 groups with 7 members. These groups include the control, Sham, and three experimental groups that received oral doses of 0.25 and 0.50 and 0.75 ml/kg pumpkin oil through the gavages for 30 days. Brain ischemia (Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion: MCAO) was induced two hours after the last gavage, and the permeability of the blood-brain barrier and brain edema was measured after 24 hours.

Results: The permeability of the blood-brain barrier was significantly decreased in pretreated rats (0.50 and 0.75 ml/kg pumpkin oil) in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). There was also a significant decrease in brain edema in pre treated rats (0.75 ml/kg pumpkin oil) in comparison with the control group (P <0.05).

Conclusion: The results showed that pumpkin seed oil consumption in rats suffered from ischemia-reperfusion can be effective in reducing the symptoms of ischemic stroke.