Singapore: NeuroAiD, a stroke treatment, developed by Singapore firm Moleac, based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, increases the odds of achieving a better functional outcome, according to Chimes study.

The double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial  included 1,100 patients from several countries who had suffered an ischemic stroke of intermediate severity within 72 hours, treated and monitored for three months.

Researchers found that patients who were taking NeuroAiD at acute stage had an 11 percent increase in the odds of achieving independence in function and being able to perform daily activities at the end of three months. This effect was even greater when NeuroAiD was started beyond 48 hours after stroke onset, with an increase of 39 percent.

The odds ratio was the highest among recently completed stroke trials of neuroprotective agents. The benefit observed is clinically relevant and might have reached statistical significance with a larger sample size. In addition the study confirmed the excellent safety profile of NeuroAiD. Stroke survivors who were on NeuroAiD had fewer adverse events than those in the control group. Further studies will likely look into the benefits of longer duration of treatment.

Professor Christopher Chen, neurologist, National University of Singapore, and principal investigator of Chimes study, said the results looked very promising and suggested that the effectiveness of such herbal supplements could have a great impact on stroke management.

"I think one thing which is very clear is that NeuroAiD is safe in acute stroke. A previous meta-analysis suggested that NeuroAiD is efficacious and safe in the chronic stage of stroke. Now the Chimes study has provided us with much more reliable data about the safety and efficacy of NeuroAiD in acute stroke. I think the Chimes results are not only a step forward, but also a major achievement," Prof Chen added.