en Cellular and molecular Neuroscience Cellular and molecular Neuroscience Original Original <div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Introduction</strong>: The death of neurons and cerebral edema are the main consequences of stroke. However, inflammatory processes play key roles in aggravating cerebral damage following a stroke. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Viola odorata extract (VOE) on the infarct volume (IV), neurologic deficits (ND), and the expression of NF-&kappa;B and VCAM-1 in the Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) model.<br> <strong>Methods</strong>: The animals were randomly separated into 6 groups: (1) control group, (2) vehicle-treated group, (3) MCAO group, (4) VOE25 group, (5) VOE50 group, and (6) VOE75 group (n= 12). VOE (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg) and distilled water were administered daily for 30 days. Two hours after the last gavage, the rats were exposed to MCAO for 60 minutes. Twenty-four hours later, IV, ND, and NF-&kappa;B/VCAM-1 expressions were evaluated.<br> <strong>Results</strong>: Viola odorata extract exhibited excellent neuroprotective effects by reducing IV (mainly in the core and subcortex areas), and induced downregulation of NF-&kappa;B and VCAM-1 expression.<br> <strong>Conclusion</strong>: Viola odorata could also activate intracellular pathways, reducing the expression of NF-&kappa;B and VCAM-1. It is useful for developing a novel medical herb for treating cerebral ischemia.</div> Cerebral infarction, Inflammation, NF-κB, VCAM-1, Viola odorata 357 372 http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-2061-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Kiana Karimifar Kiana.Karimifar@gmail.com 13700319475328460041395 13700319475328460041395 No Department of Physiology, Faculty of life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. Hiva Alipanah alipanah.hiwa@yahoo.com 13700319475328460041396 13700319475328460041396 No Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran. Ava Solatani Hekmat soltani.hekmat@yahoo.com 13700319475328460041397 13700319475328460041397 No Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran. Mohammad Reza Bigdeli bigdelimohammadreza@yahoo.com 13700319475328460041398 13700319475328460041398 Yes Department of Physiology, Faculty of life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.