A Combined Extract Derived from Black Sticky Rice and Dill Improves Clinical Symptoms and Ischemic Stroke Biomarkers in Transient Ischemic Attack and Ischemic Stroke Patients

Currently, the adjuvant therapy to optimize the restorative process after stroke is required due to the unsatisfied therapeutic efficacy. A combined extract of black sticky rice and dill showed potential in the preclinical state, so we hypothesized that it could provide clinical benefits. A three-arm, randomized, placebo-controlled study was set up to elucidate this issue. Both males and females (18-80 years old) who had experienced transient ischemic attacks or ischemic strokes within the last 5-10 days with an NIHSS score ≤ 7 and received standard treatment were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or capsule containing a combined extract of black sticky rice and dill at a dose of 600 or 1200 mg per day. The safety parameters, movement control, and degree of disability were assessed 1, 2, and 6 weeks after the intervention, and serum stroke biomarkers were assessed at the mentioned time points, except at 2 weeks. After week 1, the high-dose (1200 mg/day) treatment group had improved NIHSSS, VCAM1, and MMP-9. Both S100β and VCAM1 also improved at week 6, while the low-dose treatment group (600 mg/day) only exhibited improved VCAM1. Therefore, a high dose of the developed adjuvant supplement improves stroke recovery by improving motor impairment by reducing endothelial dysfunction and inflammation.