2016-088 – Synergistic Neuroprotective and Anti-Hypoxia Drugs Isolated from Chinese Herbs

Background Injury caused to the brain by hypoxia and ischemia are often times the most serious consequences of major medical emergencies including stroke, cardiac arrest, hypoxia and other brain trauma. Currently, it is estimated that human neuronal cells can survive less than 5 minutes in ischemic conditions before irreparable neurological damage is sustained. In such patients, even if oxygen can be restored to the brain, there is still great potential for injury due to rapid reoxygenation of neural tissue that is likely to occur following a period of hypoxia to the brain. As such, a class of drugs that presents neuroprotective potential for reduction of hypoxia/ischemia injury is of great interest to the medical and health care community, as well as to the general public who may experience high altitude sickness syndrome due to visiting high altitude regions. These drugs are capable of reducing hypoxia-induced brain injury and improving neurological outcome. Such a class of drugs would not only be of great importance in the field of emergency medicine, but may also have lifesaving potential to high risk patients suffering from chronic conditions placing them at risk for ischemia/hypoxia injury such as those with hypertension, atherosclerosis or individuals with concern of being exposed to low oxygen environments, like visiting high altitude regions. Technology Description Researchers from the University of New Mexico and the University of Hong Kong have discovered synergistic neuroprotective treatments against brain injury caused by cerebral ischemia or low oxygen environments. Drugs may be developed that have significant neuroprotective potential for reducing ischemia/reperfusion injury in hospital emergency setting, or for reducing the discomfort associated with visiting high altitude region as a dietary supplement. The formula could be developed into different formulations of dietary supplements to enhance the tolerance to hypoxic environments. Gregg Banninger GBanninger@innovations.unm.edu 505-272-7908