PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF UNEXPLORED MEDICINAL PLANTS

The growing costs to society and the economy of neurodegenerative illnesses like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, as well as the hunt for natural compounds with neuroprotective properties. Guapira costaricana and Quercus laurifolia have a long history of medicinal usage. Numerous polyphenols and flavonoid chemicals found in Quercus laurifolia have been studied in depth for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. The two major pathogenic elements of neurodegeneration, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, are reversed by the bioactive substances. The key mechanisms of action in neuroprotection cholinesterase inhibition, mitochondrial guarding, and the modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines are promisingly demonstrated by experimental data from related species of the Quercus genus. Although little studied, Guapira costaricana has shown pharmacological action that is compatible with neuroprotection, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Triterpenes, flavonoids, and alkaloids have been found in the Guapira genus by phytochemical screening. These compounds may have an impact on neural pathways to reduce oxidative neuronal damage and improve synaptic plasticity.