Phytochemical profiling and neuroprotective potential of Salix caprea extract against Alzheimer’s disease

Background: In the field of shrubs, the genus Salix is not sufficiently known. So, the author explored more about the plant and decided to study its neurological effects. This research article focuses on the phytochemical analysis of the shrub Salix caprea and the assessment of its ethanolic extract on Swiss albino mice using different experimental models for preliminary anti-amnesic potential. Methodology: The twigs of Salix caprea were separated from a healthy, growing plant and transformed into powder. Then, phytochemical profiling was done as per the standard protocol. The shrub’s extract was prepared using Soxhlet equipment. The elevated plus maze method, Y-maze method, and passive avoidance test were used to assess the neurological effects. Scopolamine as an amnesia-inducing agent and donepezil as a standard drug were incorporated into the study protocol. Results and Discussion: Phytochemical investigation of Salix caprea revealed that it contains a remarkable amount of saponins, tannins, protein, and flavonoids. The pharmacological findings suggested that the plant extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg possesses therapeutic potential against Alzheimer's disease (AD). Statistical analysis was done to compare the significance of the activity. Conclusion: Salix caprea is well-known and investigated in the conventional medical system. Salix caprea’s ethanolic extract showed preliminary evidence of its efficacy as an anti-Alzheimer drug and memory enhancer. The observed anti-amnesic activity is hypothesized to involve interactions between the phytoconstituents of S. caprea and cholinergic receptors in the brain; however, this proposed mechanism requires further confirmation through receptor-binding and biochemical acetylcholinesterase assays.