Neuroprotective Effect of Ethanol Extract of Leaves of Malva parviflora against Amyloid-β- (Aβ-) Mediated Alzheimer's Disease

Malva parviflora L. possesses significant antioxidant potential. This study was conducted to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of ethanol extract of the leaves of Malva parviflora against amyloid-β- (Aβ-) mediated Alzheimer's disease. In Morris water maze model, the extract significantly restored the defected memory of amyloid-β injected mice (P < 0.01). The reduced levels of brain antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were also restored significantly to similar levels as seen in normal control mice (P < 0.01). The levels of lipid peroxidase were decreased significantly in treatment group mice when compared to Alzheimer group mice (P < 0.01). So, this study showed that ethanol extract of the leaves of Malva parviflora possesses neuroprotective activity in mice.