Development, Physicochemical Characterization, Standardization, and Preclinical Evaluation of a Merremia dissecta Leaf Extract-Based Herbal Syrup for Neuroprotection Against Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is marked by a progressive loss of memory, cognition, and executive functioning. Disease progression results in increasing impairment of daily activities, loss of independence, and a significantly lower quality of life for the sufferer. The goal of the current study was to create and assess a herbal syrup based on Merremia dissecta leaf extract and examine its neuroprotective potential against scopolamine-induced memory impairment in Wistar albino rats (n = 25). The existence of flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, and steroids was verified by phytochemical screening after the hydroalcoholic leaf extract was made by Soxhlet extraction. The OECD Guideline 423 was followed in the assessment of acute oral toxicity. the prepared herbal syrup demonstrated acceptable physicochemical features and was deemed safe, with no mortality reported up to 2000 mg/kg. The Elevated Zero Maze and Elevated Plus Maze, Actophotometer, and histopathological analysis were used to assess neuroprotective activity. When compared to the scopolamine-treated group, Merremia dissecta syrup treatment considerably enhanced learning, memory retention, exploratory behavior, and locomotor activity while maintaining hippocampal neuronal architecture. These results imply that a herbal syrup made from Merremia dissecta leaf extract has encouraging neuroprotective and memory-boosting qualities and could be a viable natural treatment option for Alzheimer's. To verify its therapeutic effectiveness, more mechanistic and clinical research is needed.