JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND
BIOMEDICINE
ISSN.2456-8244
The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Cascabela thevetia on spatial memory in scopolamine-induced memory-impaired rodents. The leaves were extracted using a hydroalcoholic solvent system and subjected to phytochemical screening, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity assessment by DPPH radical scavenging assay. The extract exhibited the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, and sterols, with total phenolic and flavonoid contents of 91.84 mg GAE/g and 113.22 mg QE/g, respectively. Antioxidant evaluation demonstrated concentration-dependent DPPH radical scavenging activity, reaching 58.9 ± 1.10% inhibition at 250 µg/mL. Nootropic activity was assessed using the Morris Water Maze model in scopolamine-treated rodents. Scopolamine significantly impaired spatial learning and memory, as evidenced by increased escape latency. Treatment with Cascabela thevetia extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced the time required to locate the hidden platform, with the 400 mg/kg dose producing the greatest improvement (18.00 ± 0.894 s on Day 4) compared with the scopolamine control group (52.00 ± 2.577 s). The findings suggest that Cascabela thevetia leaf extract possesses significant antioxidant and memory-enhancing activities, possibly mediated through its high phenolic and flavonoid content. Thus, the plant may serve as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for the management of cognitive dysfunction and memory impairment.
NAMES:
ONLINE ISSN:24568244
Keywords: Cascabela thevetia, Spatial Memory, Morris Water Maze, Nootropic Activity, Scopolamine
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