Hydroethanolic Extract of Salvia officinalis L. Leaves Improves Memory and Alleviates Neuroinflammation in ICR Mice

Neurodegenerative disorders are known to be commonly associated with neuroinflammation. Plants with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties hold prospect in alleviating neuroinflammation. One such plant with documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential is Salvia officinalis L. This study looked at effects of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of S. officinalis L. on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation and associated memory impairment using an ICR mouse model. Assessment of the phytochemical constituents in S. officinalis L. and its acute toxicity was conducted. Mice were treated with S. officinalis L. extract (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) after LPS administration. Object recognition and elevated plus maze tests were employed to assess neuroinflammation-induced behavioral changes. Brain samples were taken to determine the levels of TNF-α and conduct histopathological analysis. The hydroethanolic extract of S. officinalis L. was found to contain alkaloids, glycoside, tannins, flavonoids, and coumarins and exhibited no observable acute toxicity. The extract showed the presence of eicosatrienoic acid, methyl ester, and phenanthrene derivatives. The extract improved memory and cognitive performance but had no significant effect on brain tissue TNF-α expression. S. officinalis L. treatment in mice with neuroinflammation also resulted in reduced mononuclear infiltration and gliosis and reduced apoptotic and necrotic neurons as well as no observable brain lesions. S. officinalis L. holds promising pharmacological activity at reducing neuroinflammation and its associated cognitive impairment.