GPX4 and brain infarction: In MCAO rats, XMZS improved neurological function; reduced cerebral infarction volume; relieved neuronal damage in the cortex and hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions, and mitochondrial damage within the brain; suppressed ROS in the cortex and hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions; decreased Fe and MDA contents within the brain; increased SOD and GSH within the brain; and activated NRF2/GPX4/SLC7A11 pathway within the brain.