Pharmacological study on the neuroprotective and antioxidant potential of Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link methanolic extract

The present study investigates the plant-based methanolic extract from Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link, which has been shown to enhance the antioxidant and neuroprotective properties against Parkinson's disease (PD). Phytoconstituents extracted from the plant possess potential antioxidant and therapeutic qualities, making it a medicinal herb. Antioxidant tests, including the Phosphomolybdenum assay, Free Radical Scavenging Assay (FRSA) and Free Radical Antioxidant Power assay (FRAP), were performed on methanolic extracts of L. aspera. The methanolic extract of the plant exhibited antioxidant activity against both aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts, as well as against Levodopa (L-DOPA), as evidenced by the results, which indicated a positive response towards its antioxidant potential. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the plant extract revealed the presence of key bioactive ingredients, including 1-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2,2-dimethylpropan-1-one, cyclohexane carboxamide, ethyl tridecanoate, docosanoic acid ethyl ester, oleonic acid and squalene. These bioactive ingredients play a significant role in the plant's antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. For instance, 1-(1H-Imidazol-2-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-propan-1-one is known for its antioxidant activity, while oleonic acid and squalene have neuroprotective properties. The presence of catechins and epigallocatechins (EGCG) is directly involved in protecting neurons from excessive stress and oxidative damage. Histopathological analysis showing the neuroprotective activity of the L. aspera-induced sample at 500 mg/L compared to the Trichloroethylene (TCE)-induced group. Herbal formulations extracted from the L. aspera plant exhibit strong antioxidant properties, which enable them to chelate metals and demonstrate their medicinal value in reducing the progression of neurodegenerative disorders. The study implies support for the pharmacological utility of L. aspera plant extract in the development of neuroprotective medicines.