The Burden of Recurrent Ischemic Stroke: Exploring Oxidative Stress Markers and Natural Therapeutic Approaches

Ischemic stroke recurrence and mortality continue to pose major global health challenges, often exacerbated by underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation. Although significant advances in stroke treatment have been made, disparities in care delivery remain widespread. Recent research highlights the potential of oxidative stress and other biomarkers in predicting stroke severity and informing therapeutic strategies. Traditional herbal medicines, such as Panax ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, and Salvia miltiorrhiza have also shown promise, particularly in resource-limited settings where access to conventional therapies may be restricted. Clinical trials have demonstrated their efficacy in enhancing vascular health and reducing stroke recurrence, suggesting that their integration into modern care models could expand treatment options. Furthermore, emerging global health threats, such as COVID-19, have introduced new complications like cryptogenic stroke, emphasizing the urgent need to adapt stroke care frameworks. Consequently, an integrated, multidisciplinary approach, coupled with further research into biomarkers and the validation of traditional remedies, is essential to reduce the global burden of stroke and improve patient outcomes.