Plant-based neuroprotection against memory impairment: Insights from Drosophila melanogaster models of neurodegenerative diseases.

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterised by the progressive dysfunction of neurons, and memory impairment is one of their most debilitating clinical manifestations. The etiopathogenic mechanisms are multifactorial, such as protein misfolding, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial malfunction and synaptic degeneration along with neuroinflammation. As yet, therapists still focus mainly on symptomatic treatment and no agents are found to halt or reverse the decline of cognitive, indicating what is more needed is other kinds of neuroprotective strategy. In this context, the plant-derived phytochemicals stand out as promising candidates owing to their multi-targeted mode of action, favourable safety profile and long-standing use in traditional medicine systems. These bioactive compounds modulate oxidative stress, inflammatory signalling, neurotransmitter balance, apoptotic pathways and protein aggregation to elicit neuroprotection. The attention of the research community has also turned towards using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system for neurodegenerative-related studies due to its genetic tractability, accessible behavioural learning and memory tests, and the evolutionary conservation of potentially important biological pathways. This review consolidates recent evidence regarding plant-based neuroprotective strategies against memory impairment, with a specific focus on mechanistic mechanisms elucidated from Drosophila models of neurodegenerative diseases. Integrating findings across molecular, cellular and behavioural levels, the review illustrates the therapeutic promise of phytochemicals and reaffirms Drosophila as a valuable preclinical tool. It also addresses practical translational considerations, such as bioavailability, standardisation, and clinical validation, and sets forth future directions for effectiveness of plant-based interventions to facilitate improvements out in the real world.