Differential anti-ischemic efficacy and therapeutic time window of trans- and cis-hinokiresinols: Stereo-specific antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities

► We studied stereo-specific anti-ischemic effects of trans- and cis-hinokiresinols. ► The two isomers similarly scavenged free radicals. ► Only trans-isomer up-regulated Cu/Zn-SOD and showed anti-ischemic activity in vitro. ► In a rat model, the two isomers reduced cerebral infarct in stereo-specific manners. ► Different anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory activities explain the stereo-specificity.