Investigating the Neuroprotective Potential of Neolamarckia cadamba Bark Extract for Memory Enhancement

Abstract

Objective: Our research will investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of Neolamarckia cadamba bark extract, focusing on its capacity to enhance memory and counteract cognitive impairment using various behavioral models like Morris water maze test, Passive avoidance test and Novel Object Recognition test Material and Method Preparation of Bark Extract: Fresh bark of Neolamarckia cadamba was procured from Plant Nursery Online to ensure authenticity. The bark was cleaned thoroughly with distilled water to remove dirt and debris, then shade-dried at room temperature (25–30 °C) for 7–10 days In Vivo Memory Enhancement Studies: Healthy adult Swiss albino mice male-108 in number (weighing 25-30 g) were obtained fromthe institutional animal house facility. The animals were acclimatized for one week prior toexperimentation under standard laboratory conditions maintained at 25 ± 2°C with 50-60%relative humidity and a 12-hour light/dark cycle (lights on at 07:00 h). Experimental Design and Treatment Protocol: The mice were randomly divided into six groups (n=6 animals per group) using computer-generated randomization to ensure unbiased distribution Normal Control Group, Negative Control Group Test Groups (100 mg/kg body weight, p.o.,200 mg/kg body weight, p.o., 400 mg/kg body weight, p.o ) Positive Control Group Results: The ethanolic Soxhlet extraction of Neolamarckia cadamba bark yielded 12.4% w/w extract, consistent with previous reports on this species. The comprehensive phytochemical profile observed in our study supports traditional medicinal uses of N. cadamba in which alkaloids as major constituents. The dose-dependent cognitive improvements in MWM using N. cadamba leaf extracts. The 400 mg/kg dose's comparable efficacy to donepezil demonstrated similar acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential. The recognition memory improvements support N. cadamba's effects on cortical function. The ACh restoration parallels in Alzheimer's models. The dose-dependent effects match the acetylcholinesterase inhibition Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that the ethanolic Soxhlet extract of Neolamarckia cadamba bark possesses significant neuropharmacological potential, as evidenced by its memory-enhancing and neuroprotective effects in rodent models. The extraction process yielded a substantial quantity (12.4% w/w) of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids, which align with previous phytochemical reports on this species. The extract exhibited dose-dependent improvements in cognitive performance across multiple behavioral paradigms (Morris Water Maze, Passive Avoidance Test, and Novel Object Recognition Test), suggesting its efficacy in enhancing both spatial and recognition memory. Biochemical analyses further revealed that the extract modulates key neurochemical pathways, including the restoration of acetylcholine levels and attenuation of oxidative stress markers (GSH depletion and MDA elevation). In summary, this study provides robust preclinical evidence supporting N. cadamba bark extract as a promising candidate for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection.