Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of morroniside on hematocrit percentage in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.Methods After the modified model induced with occlusion of middle cerebral artery (MCAO) with suture embolus, morroniside was administered intragastrically at the dose of 30 mg/kg (n=8), 90 mg/kg (n=8), and 270 mg/kg (n=8) once a day for 7 d. Acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) was used as positive drug (n=8). Hematocrit percentage was measured with automatic blood tester. Results Compared with the sham group, hematocrit percentage of the model group significantly increased (P<0.001), but increased less in those treated with morroniside and ASA (P<0.05). Conclusion Morroniside could inhibit the increase of hematocrit percentage in MCAO rats.

Key words: morroniside, focal cerebral ischemia, hematocrit percentage, rats