Abstract

STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF VINCA MINOR LEAVES EXTRACT AGAINST CHEMICALLY INDUCED COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Keshav Bondre*, Sakshi Nagrikar, Akansha Ramteke, Gauri Tatewar, Divyabharati Biradar

ABSTRACT

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition primarily marked by a decline in cognitive function and currently has few effective treatment options. Current treatments offer only symptomatic relief and are often associated with adverse effects. In the search for alternative therapies, Vinca minor, a medicinal plant rich in alkaloids and antioxidants, has shown promising neuroprotective potential. Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Vinca minor leaves extract against chemically induced Alzheimer’s disease in experimental animals. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups, including normal control, disease control, standard drug, and two test groups receiving Vinca minor extract. A behavioral assessment was conducted using the radial arm maze and the novel object recognition test. Biochemical estimations included acetylcholinesterase (AChE),glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), and catalase (CAT) levels. Histopathological analysis of the brain tissue was performed to assess neuronal integrity. Results: Treatment with Vinca minor significantly improved behavioral performance, enhanced antioxidant enzyme levels, reduced AChE and NO levels, and preserved neuronal architecture in hippocampal regions compared to the disease control group. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Vinca minor leaf extract exerts cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective effects, potentially through antioxidant and anticholinesterase mechanisms, supporting its use as a natural therapeutic option in AD management.

Keywords: Vinca minor, Alzheimer’s disease, Cognitive impairment, Neuroprotection, Acetylcholinesterase, Oxidative stress, Behavioral assessment, Histopathology.