Cadaba indica Leaf Extract: Neuroprotection and Cognitive Enhancement with Safety Profile Comparison

Aim: The current study aims to investigate the toxicity profile, the anti-amyloidogenic, and anti-ameliorative effects of crude ethanol extract from Cadaba indica leaves in contrast with a prominent drug. Methods: Phytochemical screening of the ethanol extract of C. indica was performed by GC–MS analysis. The cell viability of SH-SY5Y cells was assessed by a neutral red uptake assay, and neuroprotective effects were evaluated against the Aβ25–35 toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells experienced pretreatment with plant extracts. In acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies were conducted according to the OECD guidelines to ascertain the toxicity profile in Swiss Albino mice. The ameliorative effect of the extract was measured by behavioral test on drug-induced learning and memory impairment in mice. Results: Fifteen phytochemical compounds were revealed in GC–MS. Inhibitory concentration (IC50) was found to be >100 μg/mL on SH-SY5Ycells. Protection of SH-SY5Y cells from Aβ25-35-induced toxicity at the concentration of 25 μg/mL was observed. No clinical toxicity signs were observed in the plant treated group when compared to the control group in both acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies at the maximum of 2000 mg/kg dose. The oral lethal median dose (LD50) was estimated to be >2000 mg/kg. There was a reduction of the scopolamine-induced amnesia observed in the passive avoidance test at 100 mg/kg. Conclusion: The results conclude that C. indica extracts might contain potent secondary metabolites that might primarily enhance the neuroprotective effects and improve in cognitive impairments induced by cholinergic dysfunction.