Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Cerebral ischemia refers to an interruption or reduction of blood flow to the brain or other parts of the nervous system. About 80% of strokes are of ischemic type. Cumin ( Cuminum cyminum L. ) belongs to Apiaceae family containing tannin and cumin aldehyde, which are strong antioxidants. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of cumin on reducing cerebral edema caused by stroke.   Methods: In this experimental study, 5 groups of 6 male rats were used. The Groups included sham, control, and 3 experimental groups that were orally received cumin extract at doses of 25, 50, and 100mg/kg bw for 30 days. In the sham group, induction of cerebral ischemia was not performed. The control group received distilled water. 2 h after the last gavage, the animals of the control and experimental groups underwent surgical MCAO to measure brain edema. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. The significance level was considered to be p<0.05.   Results: In this study, there was a significant differences in cerebral edema in the group that received the extract compared to the control group, and in edema between the right and left hemispheres in the control groups compared to the groups that received the extract at doses of 25 and 50, but the difference was not significant in the group that received the extract at the dose of 100mg.   Conclusion: According to the results of this study, pretreatment with Cuminum cyminum oral extract (dose, 100mg/kg bw) could reduce cerebral edema caused by ischemic stroke and induce neuroprotection.