Thailand Doctors and Researchers Create Banana and Black Rice Drink That Protects the Brain from Stroke Damage
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 13, 2025 2 hours, 33 minutes ago
Thailand Doctors: A Natural Shield Against Stroke
Researchers from Khon Kaen University have discovered a promising natural way to protect the brain from ischemic stroke damage. Their new functional drink blends anthocyanin-rich germinated black jasmine rice with dietary fiber and nutrients from banana pulp and peel. In laboratory studies on rats, this innovative drink significantly reduced brain damage after a stroke, lowered inflammation, and boosted antioxidant defenses.
Thailand Doctors and Researchers Create Banana and Black Rice Drink That Protects the Brain from Stroke Damage
Why This Matters
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. Current medical treatments for ischemic stroke, such as clot-busting drugs or surgery, have strict time limits and risks. Many survivors still face lasting movement, speech, and memory problems. This Thailand Medical News report highlights how nutrition-based prevention could be a valuable addition to stroke defense strategies.
How the Drink Works
Thailand Doctors and researchers tested the drink on rats before and after inducing a temporary blockage in a major brain artery, simulating an ischemic stroke. The results showed that higher doses (600 and 900 mg/kg) of the banana–black rice drink reduced the size of brain infarctions, especially in the cortex, and helped preserve neuron density. It also lowered harmful inflammatory markers like TNF-α and IL-6, reduced oxidative stress, and increased protective molecules such as catalase and Nrf2—a key protein that controls the body’s defense against oxidative damage.
Interestingly, the drink also increased beneficial gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are linked to better brain health through the gut–brain axis. This suggests that the drink’s protective effects work on multiple levels—directly in the brain and indirectly through gut microbiome balance.
Why These Ingredients Are Powerful
Germinated black jasmine rice is loaded with anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that also reduce inflammation. Bananas, especially their peels, provide high levels of dietary fiber, vitamins, amino acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Together, they create a synergistic effect, enhancing each other’s brain-protective properties more than when used alone.
The Road Ahead
The findings indicate that this functional drink could become a natural supplement to lower stroke risks or aid recovery. However, these results come from animal studies. Human trials are needed to confirm the benefits and determine the right dosage.
Conclusion
The research suggests that the combined nutrients from banana and germinated black jasmine rice may protect the brain from stroke-related damage by reducing inflammation, fighting oxidative st
ress, and supporting beneficial gut bacteria. While more research is needed, this natural approach could one day complement medical treatments and improve recovery outcomes for stroke patients.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Life.
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/8/1222
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