a High throughput screening layout of 1144 plant based polyphenolics, synthetic/control drugs (including celcoxib, ibuprofen, paclitaxel etc.) and aqueous extracts of 947 commonly used herbs and spices for ability to induce neurite outgrowth in PC-12 cells relative to NGF on collagen coated plates over 7 days. Of the initial screened, with subsequent validation using a full dose range, only one positive NGF mimetic was elucidated. b Morphological analysis of neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells at 7 days; controls (top) NGF 0.5 μg/mL (mid) and MCS extract (150 µg/mL) (bottom)