Neurovascular protective effects of nutritional interventions in ischemic brain injury

Background: Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is marked by oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal loss. Natural antioxidants such as fish oil and Nigella sativa oil have shown potential neuroprotective properties. This study evaluated the individual and combined effects of these oils in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia. Methods: Forty mice were randomly assigned to five groups: sham, I/R, Nigella sativa oil, fish oil, and combined treatment. Cerebral ischemia was induced by 17 min bilateral common carotid artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. Treatments were administered orally. Motor coordination and cognitive function were assessed using behavioral tests, while neuronal damage was evaluated histologically. Oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, SOD) and the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured in brain tissue. Results: All treated groups showed significant improvements in motor and cognitive performance compared with the I/R group. Treatments reduced MDA and TNF-α levels and increased GSH and SOD activity. Histopathological analysis revealed attenuated hippocampal neuronal damage, with the combination therapy showing the greatest protection. Conclusions: Combined fish oil and Nigella sativa oil therapy provides enhanced neuroprotection against cerebral I/R injury and may represent a supportive strategy for reducing ischemic brain damage.