biostudies-literatureUnknown16Feng J<h4>Objectives</h4>This study explored the brain-targeting properties and mechanisms of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (4-HBd), the primary active component of <i>Gastrodia elata</i>, in mitigating ischemic stroke (IS)-induced injury by preserving blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, based on brain pharmacokinetic characteristics.<h4>Methods</h4>The anti-IS effects of the <i>G. elata</i> extract were assessed using a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model, leading to the identification of 4-HBd as the principal active ingredient. BBB protection was evaluated through neurological scoring, Evans Blue (EB) extravasation, cerebral infarct volume, and ultrastructural integrity. Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NFrontiers in pharmacology1528839https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12012380biostudies-literatureProtective effects of 4-HBd on blood-brain barrier integrity in MCAO/R model rats based on brain pharmacokinetic characteristics.PMC12012380He FLin QHu DFeng JMeng QChen MYang QWang YSong XZhou XLuo DCheng JfalseProtective effects of 4-HBd on blood-brain barrier integrity in MCAO/R model rats based on brain pharmacokinetic characteristics.<h4>Objectives</h4>This study explored the brain-targeting properties and mechanisms of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (4-HBd), the primary active component of <i>Gastrodia elata</i>, in mitigating ischemic stroke (IS)-induced injury by preserving blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, based on brain pharmacokinetic characteristics.<h4>Methods</h4>The anti-IS effects of the <i>G. elata</i> extract were assessed using a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model, leading to the identification of 4-HBd as the principal active ingredient. BBB protection was evaluated through neurological scoring, Evans Blue (EB) extravasation, cerebral infarct volume, and ultrastructural integrity. Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (N2025-01-01T00:00:00Z20252026-06-02T00:03:50.749Z2025-07-03T03:04:30.224ZS-EPMC120123804026467510.3389/fphar.2025.1528839