Exploring Ochradenus baccatus: A Novel Source of Bioactive Compounds and Phytochemical Insights for Uncharted Therapeutic Applications

<i>Ochradenus baccatus</i> (<i>O. baccatus</i>), a resilient medicinal plant native to arid regions, was systematically investigated for its neuroprotective potential against Alzheimer's disease. Comprehensive phytochemical profiling of different plant parts revealed that the leaves possessed the highest levels of total phenolics (67.8 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (49.2 mg QE/g), correlating with strong antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 19.8 µg/mL, FRAP = 832 µmol Fe²⁺/g). HPLC and GC-MS analyses identified multiple bioactive flavonoids and fatty acids. The leaf extract demonstrated potent in vitro AChE inhibition (IC₅₀ = 32.5 µg/mL) and significantly reduced amyloid-β aggregation (by 50%). In vivo, it ameliorated cognitive deficits in scopolamine-induced mice, as evidenced by improved performance in Morris Water Maze and Y-maze tests, and restored hippocampal neuronal density (CA3: +29.7%, DG: +30%). These findings highlight the therapeutic promise of <i>O. baccatus</i> leaves as a rich source of multifunctional anti-Alzheimer's phytochemicals.