Abstract:Ischemic stroke (IS) is a severe cerebrovascular disease in which vascular occlusion disrupts local cerebral blood flow and is associated with high morbidity, disability, and mortality. Current clinical treatments are limited. Although recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is effective, it has a narrow therapeutic window and multiple contraindications. New therapeutic agents are therefore urgently needed. In recent years, active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine have shown considerable potential for anti-IS drug development because of their multiple targets, low toxicity, and wide availability. This article systematically reviews current research on active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine with potential activity against IS, focusing on mechanisms such as neuroprotection and discussing challenges and future directions in drug development, to provide a theoretical reference for the development of related new drugs.