| Abstract: | Objectives To validate the enhanced therapeutic effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM ) for brain ischemic stroke through the anti‐apoptotic and survival ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC s). Methods The viability and the expression level of cell apoptotic and survival‐related proteins in MSC s by treatment of SM were assessed in vitro . In addition, the infarcted brain region and the behavioural changes after treatment of MSC s with SM were confirmed in rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCA o) models. Key findings We demonstrated that SM attenuates apoptosis and improves the cell viability of MSC s. In the rat MCA o model, the recovery of the infarcted region and positive changes of behaviour are observed after treatment of MSC s with SM . Conclusions The therapy using SM enhances the therapeutic effect for brain ischemic stroke by promoting the survival of MSC s. This synergetic effect thereby proposes a new experimental approach of traditional Chinese medicine and stem cell‐based therapies for patients suffering from a variety of diseases. |
