Catalpol provides protective effects against cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury in gerbils.

Objectives: To investigate the protective effect of catalpol on cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion (CI/R) injury in gerbils and further explore the underlying mechanism.

Methods: A gerbil model of CI/R was prepared by bilateral common carotid occlusion for 10 min followed by 6 h reperfusion. Catalpol (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg per day) was injected intraperitoneally for 3 days before the carotid occlusion.