Development and assessment of a synergy-based combined extracts of Spondias mombin L., Spilanthes filicaulis (SCHUMACH. & THONN.) C.D. ADAMS and Piper guineense THONN. for learning and memory enhancement

Konei Emangbondji  Hounsou; Mercy Dunni  Akande; Mubo Adeola  Sonibare; Taiwo Olayemi  Elufioye; Ademola Adetokunbo  Oyagbemi; Funmilayo Eniola  Olopade

doi:10.5530/ctbp.2026.1.1

Authors

Konei Emangbondji Hounsou Medicinal Plants Research and Drug Development Programme, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (including Health and Agriculture), PAULESI, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200005
Mercy Dunni Akande Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, 200005 Ibadan
Mubo Adeola Sonibare Medicinal Plants Research and Drug Development Programme, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (including Health and Agriculture), PAULESI, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200005, Nigeria/Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, 200005 Ibadan
Taiwo Olayemi Elufioye Medicinal Plants Research and Drug Development Programme, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (including Health and Agriculture), PAULESI, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200005, Nigeria/Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, 200005 Ibadan
Ademola Adetokunbo Oyagbemi Department of veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200005
Funmilayo Eniola Olopade Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200005

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5530/ctbp.2026.1.1

Keywords:

Medicinal plants, Synergistic combination treatment, Neurodegenerative disorders, Antioxidant, Acetylcholinesterase activity

Abstract

Memory challenges and cognitive decline, linked to neurodegenerative illnesses, continue to rise worldwide without effective remedies. Traditional medicinal plants have shown promise in mitigating these conditions. This study evaluated synergy-based aqueous combinations of Spondias mombin, Spilanthes filicaulis, and Piper guineense for learning and memory enhancement. Two formulations, H1 (ratio 2:2:4) and H2 (ratio 2:2:2), were prepared, administered, and assessed using the Morris Water Maze and Y-maze tests, alongside biochemical analyses of oxidative stress markers (MDA, H₂O₂, SOD, GSH, GPx, GST), nitric oxide levels, and acetylcholinesterase activity. Histopathological examination of the hippocampus was also performed. Results showed that scopolamine impaired learning and memory, elevated oxidative stress, and caused hippocampal damage. However, treatment with the combined extracts H1 and H2 significantly improved spatial learning and working memory compared to scopolamine controls, as evidenced by reduced escape latency and increased spontaneous alternation. Additionally, H1 and H2 lowered oxidative stress markers, restored antioxidant enzyme balance, reduced AChE activity, and ameliorated neuronal disruptions. Among the two formulations, H1 consistently demonstrated superior neuroprotective and antioxidant effects across behavioral and biochemical assays. These findings suggest that synergy-based combinations of these plants, particularly H1, may offer a promising approach for memory enhancement and warrant further investigation for development into an herbal therapeutic product.