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

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. 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. 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<0/01), and sensorimotor disorder (sticky) at 24, 48 hours and a week after stroke, respectively. Furthermore, neurological disorders reduced at 24 and 48 hours (p<0/001) and week (p<0/01) after stroke compared to the control groups. On the other hand, Achillea millefolium extract with 50o mg/kg dose reduced infarct volume, neurological and sensorimotor disorders, though this reduction was not statistically significant. The study findings revealed that oral administration of Achillea millefolium extract with dose of 500mg/kg in ovariectomized female rats caused a significant reduction in infarct volume, neurological disorders and sensorimotor disorder after middle cerebral artery occlusion.