Focal ischemia occurs when a cerebral artery
becomes obstructed by an embolus or thrombus, leading to
a rapid reduction in cerebral blood flow and significantly
increasing the risk of mortality and disability. This condi‑
tion is of particular concern in developing countries, where
its prevalence is on the rise. Galangin, a flavonoid found in
Alpinia officinarum, shows strong antioxidant, anti‑inflamma‑
tory and anti‑apoptotic properties. Its wide‑ranging bioactivity
in both in vitro and animal studies points to promising thera‑
peutic applications. Given the role of oxidative stress in the
pathophysiology of focal ischemia, the present study explored
the effects of galangin on oxidative stress markers and anti‑
oxidant defenses in an animal model of the disease. A total
of 60 healthy male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to six
groups: Control, right middle cerebral artery occlusion (Rt.
MCAO) + vehicle, Rt.MCAO + piracetam, and Rt.MCAO +
galangin at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight. The
results indicated that 7 days of galangin treatment reduces
infarct volume, malondialdehyde levels, and the density ratio
of mitogen‑activated protein kinase, while enhancing catalase,
glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities,
and improving the density ratio of mitofusin 2 protein in the
cortex and hippocampus. In conclusion, galangin showed
significant in vivo potential in mitigating the pathological
changes caused by cerebral ischemia, likely due to its antioxi‑
dant properties and modulation of mitochondrial dynamics.
Additional research is now needed to explore the biochemical
and neurological impacts of galangin in focal cerebral isch‑
emia and to fully elucidate its mechanism of action.