The neuroprotective power of Tribulus

Recently, Tribulus terrestris (Tt) has attracted increasing interest due to its pharmacological potential, including its neuroprotective activities. In this study, we explore the neuroprotective effects of a Tt extract in a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of scopolamine (SCOP)-induced memory impairment and cerebral oxidative stress. SCOP, an anticholinergic drug, has been used to reproduce fundamental aspects of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in animal models. Fish were treated with ethanolic leaf extract (ELE) of Tt (1, 3 and 6 mg/L) for 15 days. Molecular interactions of the main compounds identified via UPLC-PDA/MS in Tt fractions with the active site of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were explored via molecular docking analyses. Terrestrosin C, protodioscin, rutin and saponin C showed the most stable binding. Spatial memory performance was assessed using the Y-maze test, and memory recognition was assessed using the NOR test.