Effects of Sesame Oil on Reducing Brain Injury and Edema in Experimental Model of Stroke in Rats

Sesame oil (SO) is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may produce protective effects against ischemic stroke-induced brain injuries. We examined the effects of treatment with SO on cerebral infarction and edema in a rat model of ischemic stroke. Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into sham, ischemic, and ischemic+SO (2 ml/kg) groups. Transient focal cerebral ischemia was induced by 60-min occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery followed by 24-hr reperfusion. Neurological sensorimotor deficits were evaluated at the end of the reperfusion period. Thereafter, measurement of the infarct volumes and investigation of ischemic brain edema formation were done. Induction of cerebral ischemia in control group produced considerable brain infarction alongside impaired sensorimotor functions and severely brain edema. Treatment with SO significantly reduced the infarct volume and improved the sensorimotor functions (p<0.01). Additionally, administration of SO significantly lowered ischemic brain edema formation (p<0.001). Treatment with sesame oil can noticeably decrease ischemic brain injury, attenuate edema formation, and improve sensorimotor disabilities.