Ferroptosis: A new strategy for traditional Chinese medicine treatment of stroke

Stroke is a serious threat to human survival and health due to its high morbidity and mortality. The pathological mechanism of stroke is complex and involves various regulated cell death (RCD) modalities such as autophagy, apoptosis and necroptosis. ferroptosis, a novel form of RCD characterised by iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides and reactive oxygen radicals, has been found to be closely associated with the prognosis and outcome of stroke. At the same time, ferroptosis is also associated with other forms of RCD with varying degrees of crosstalk. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), with its multi-component, multi-pathway and multi-target action characteristics, has unique advantages and good prospects for application in stroke prevention and treatment. Using ferroptosis and its crosstalk with other forms of RCD as an entry point, we review the research on TCM with anti-stroke effects discovered in the past 10 years, with a view to providing reference for further scientific development and application of anti-stroke therapeutic drugs.