Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of morroniside on super oxide dismutase (SOD) and neurons in rats cortex with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. MethodsThe animal model was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion with suture embolus, cerebral ischemia 30 min and reperfusion 3 d or 7 d. Vitamin E for the positive control. The content of SOD was detected with spectrophotometry and the nerve cells was observed with immunohistochemistry. ResultsCompared with model group, morroniside （270 mg/kg）increased the activity of SOD and the number of neurons （30 mg/kg, 90 mg/kg, 270 mg/kg） significantly. ConclusionMorroniside may have neuroprotective effect and increasing the activity of SOD in rats cortex.

Key words: morroniside, ischemia/reperfusion, super oxide dismutase (SOD), neuroprotective