The Efficacy of Butylphthalide in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Review of Clinical Evidence

Introduction. Ischemic stroke constitutes one of the principal causes of global disability and mortality. Certain investigations have demonstrated that DL-3-n-butylphthalide exerts a significant neuroprotective effect in the context of cerebral ischemia. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of butylphthalide in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Materials and methods. A review of publications was conducted using the PubMed and ScienceDirect scientific databases. Consideration was given to the year of publication, with preference accorded to articles from the last decade. The inclusion criteria excluded non-randomized studies, investigations examining the effects of butylphthalide in combination with other pharmaceuticals, and research not specifically focused on patients with acute ischemic stroke. Results. The selected studies enrolled exclusively Chinese patients, with a total cohort of 2,622 individuals. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by monitoring the dynamics of neurological deficit using the US National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and by evaluating the recovery of functional independence in daily living according to the Barthel Index. The data obtained at various stages of treatment have been compiled into tables. Discussion and conclusion. The data from the studies reviewed herein indicate that butylphthalide is efficacious when administered early to patients experiencing ischemic stroke. However, definitive confirmation of its clinical significance necessitates further large-scale, multi-center trials with extended follow-up periods. These trials must encompass not only Chinese populations but also diverse ethnic groups.