Table 2.

A depiction of the neuroprotective characteristics of certain phytochemicals found in the MO plant [31].

Phytochemical in MO	Neuroprotective Effect
Alkaloids	Improves the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases through their anti-amyloid, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-depressant and anti-convulsant characteristics as well as via changes in neurotransmitter systems.
Saponins	Alters neurotransmitter systems together with neurotrophic factors, reduces apoptosis and calcium overload, decreases inflammation and inhibits tau phosphorylation. Neural network regeneration is also enhanced.
Tannins	Prevents neurotoxicity and neural damage caused by oxidative stress by modulating antioxidant enzyme expression.
Steroids	Exerts its neuroprotective role by functioning in blood vessels, neurons and glial cells.
Polyphenols	Has strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties.
Glucosinolates	Regulates antioxidant enzyme expression through nuclear factor erythroid 2 – related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE) signalling which is induced by protein kinase C- alpha (PKCα) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signalling. This improves immunity and reduced oxidative stress.
Flavonoids	Prevents neural damage by neurotoxins, free radicals and inflammations. Memory and cognition are also improved.