Convolvulus prostratus forssk. (convolvulaceae) as a potential neuroprotective agent: an initial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory screening

The present study aims to elucidate the preliminary neuroprotective profile of the nootropic herb Convolvulus prostratus (C. prostratus) through in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory analysis. LC–MS profiling identified approximately 80 phytochemicals in both aqueous and ethanolic extracts, highlighting the chemical diversity of these extracts. Both extracts exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activity, with the ethanol extract excelling at scavenging DPPH and superoxide radicals. Meanwhile, the aqueous extract was more effective at scavenging nitric oxide at lower concentrations. Anti-inflammatory tests revealed similar lipoxygenase inhibition in both extracts; however, the ethanol extract showed stronger inhibition of cyclooxygenase and protein denaturation, comparable to that of diclofenac. In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, both extracts dose-dependently reduced nitrite production without causing cytotoxicity, confirming their anti-inflammatory potential. These results indicated the potential use of the C. prostratus herb as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.