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If you ever wondered whether blood flow was important to brain health, all you would have to do is read about three new MS drug trials announced in the past month.

All three of these compounds have been shown in animal models of MS to reduce symptoms, reduce relapses and slow progression. All three have been touted as "neuroprotective."

And all three of these medications have a very similar method of action (MOA) in humans. All have been used for years for cardiovascular and stroke patients. All have an effect on the endothelium and release nitric oxide and lower blood pressure. All three deal with "hypoperfusion", or reduced blood flow.

They all widen blood vessels, and increase blood flow to and from the brain.

guanabenz-- relaxes blood vessels so that blood may pass through more easily.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplem ... g-20064106

ibudilast-- increases cerebral blood flow, is a vasodilator
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18677969

biotin---decreases blood pressure, increases blood flow, treats ischemia (low O2) after stroke
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18179728
http://www.google.com/patents/WO2014016003A1?cl=en