Abstract Background and aims A significant proportion of strokes are preventable through lifestyle modifications, including diet. Polyphenol-rich extracts from Salicornia have shown neuroprotective effects in preclinical ischemia models. We aimed to explore its impact on cognition after a stroke. Methods A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group pilot study was conducted comparing 1 g daily Salicornia extract with placebo in patients with transient ischemic attack and lacunar stroke over a 1-year period (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06076122). Cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment—MoCA and Beck Depression Inventory—BDI) was assessed at baseline, at 6 months, and at the end of the study. Blood samples were collected at the same time points for laboratory analyses. Results A total of 151 patients were enrolled (80 with transient ischemic attack and 71 with lacunar stroke), with no significant baseline differences between treatment groups. No serious adverse events were reported. In patients with transient ischemic attack, the Salicornia group showed a significant improvement in MoCA scores compared with placebo (20 to 23; P 0.01). Similarly, patients with lacunar stroke receiving Salicornia demonstrated significant MoCA improvement (20.9 to 24.1; P = 0.021). No significant differences were observed between groups in BDI scores. Salicornia supplementation was also associated with a significant reduction in homocysteine levels in both transient ischemic attack and lacunar stroke patients. Conclusions Salicornia extract was associated with improved cognitive outcomes and reduced homocysteine levels in patients with transient ischemic attack and lacunar stroke, with a favorable safety profile, suggesting potential therapeutic value for post-stroke cognitive impairment. Conflict of interest All authors have nothing to disclose except Joan Montaner: co-founder and minority shareholder of the startup Marisma Biomed.
Sánchez et al. (2026) studied this question.