Integrated Phytochemical Profiling And Biological Assessment Of Coccinia Grandis Fruits In The Management Of Alzheimer’s Disease

Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt fruit extract (FECG) was investigated for its phytochemical
composition, antioxidant potential, and neuroprotective effects in experimental models of
Parkinson’s (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Phytochemical screening of the
ethanolic extract confirmed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins,
steroids, saponins, glycosides, and mucilage. The extract exhibited notably high total
phenolic (302.82 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (264.64 mg CE/g) content, accompanied by
strong dose-dependent DPPH, hydroxyl, and superoxide radical scavenging activity. LC
MS profiling identified several bioactive compounds, including trigonelline, kojic acid,
coumarin derivatives, DHEA, and quinazolinone analogues, supporting its
multifunctional pharmacological potential. Acute toxicity studies indicated that FECG is
safe up to 2000 mg/kg. In the 6-OHDA-induced PD model, FECG (200 and 400 mg/kg)
significantly improved body weight, food and water intake, motor coordination, and
reduced apomorphine-induced rotations while restoring antioxidant enzyme activities
and dopaminergic neurotransmitter levels. In the AlCl₃-induced AD model, 90-day FECG
administration alleviated body weight loss, enhanced behavioral and cognitive
performance, and normalized urinary and intake parameters, showing efficacy
comparable to rivastigmine. These findings demonstrate that FECG possesses potent
antioxidant, anti-Parkinsonian, and anti-Alzheimer’s activities, highlighting its potential
as a promising phytotherapeutic agent for neurodegenerative disorders.