Evidence supporting the use of: Gastrodin
For the health condition: Strokes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Gastrodin, a bioactive compound derived from the traditional Chinese herb Gastrodia elata, has a longstanding history in East Asian medicine for treating neurological disorders. In recent decades, its potential in supporting or treating stroke has been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. Animal models of ischemic stroke demonstrate that gastrodin can reduce infarct size, improve neurological deficits, and attenuate neuronal apoptosis, likely via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective mechanisms. Several small-scale randomized controlled trials in China suggest that gastrodin, when used as an adjunct to standard therapy, may improve neurological recovery and reduce post-stroke complications such as cognitive impairment and spasticity. Meta-analyses of these trials report some benefit, but methodological limitations—including small sample sizes, lack of blinding, and publication bias—undermine the strength of the evidence. International guidelines do not currently recommend gastrodin for stroke management, and large, high-quality trials are lacking. In summary, while there is promising scientific evidence from preclinical and preliminary clinical studies that supports the use of gastrodin in stroke, the quality of clinical evidence is moderate at best, and further rigorous research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety.
Other ingredients used for Strokes
acetyl l-carnitinealgal oil
anthocyanins
citicoline
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fisetin
ginkgo biloba
nattokinase
omega-3 fatty acids
resveratrol
tocotrienols
vinpocetine
swertia
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Acetylsalicylic acid
Apocynin
Butylphthalide
bacoside
Crocetin
Danshen
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Other health conditions supported by Gastrodin
Alzheimer's DiseaseAnxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Dementia
Depression
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Parkinson's Disease
Stress
Strokes
Tremors