Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 117-125 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 121 5.2 Cultural significance in different regions In Asia, particularly in India, MQ holds cultural importance as a traditional health food and medicinal plant. It is widely distributed in the state of West Bengal, where it is valued not only for its medicinal properties but also as a dietary supplement (Agarwal et al., 2018). The plant's use in traditional health practices underscores its cultural significance, as it is integrated into daily life for its health benefits. The presence of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids further enhances its reputation as a beneficial plant in various cultural contexts (Zhang et al., 2016; Jiang et al., 2018). 5.3 Comparison with modern medicinal uses Modern scientific research has validated many of the traditional uses of MQ. Studies have demonstrated its neuroprotective potential against excitotoxicity induced by monosodium glutamate, suggesting its role in managing neurological disorders (Subramanian et al., 2023). Additionally, MQ has shown anticonvulsant effects in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure models, supporting its traditional use as an antiepileptic agent (Sahu et al., 2012). The isolation of active components like 1-Triacontanol cerotate, which ameliorates oxidative damage in the brain, further corroborates its efficacy in treating epilepsy (Snehunsu et al., 2015). These findings align with historical uses and provide a scientific basis for the continued use of MQ in modern medicine. The traditional uses of Marsilea quadrifolia are deeply rooted in cultural practices, particularly in India, where it has been used to treat neurological conditions and as a health food. Modern research supports these traditional applications, demonstrating the plant's potential in neuroprotection and seizure management, thereby bridging the gap between historical knowledge and contemporary scientific validation. 6 Case Studies on the Medicinal Applications of Marsilea quadrifolia 6.1 Case study: use in treating specific diseases One notable case study investigated the neuroprotective potential of Marsilea quadrifolia (M. quadrifolia) against monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced excitotoxicity in rats. Excitotoxicity, a condition where neurons are damaged due to the over-activation of glutamate receptors, is implicated in several neurological diseases. The study utilized a chloroform extract of M. quadrifolia (CEMQ) and identified quercetin and its derivatives as major constituents through high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The results demonstrated that CEMQ significantly improved locomotor activity, memory, and learning in MSG-treated rats, suggesting its potential in ameliorating neurotoxicity. The neuroprotective effects were attributed to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonistic properties of the extract (Figure 2) (Mishra et al., 2008; Subramanian et al., 2023). Figure 2 Effect on CEMQ on discrimination index using object recognition test. The data represents significance at *p < 0.003 and **p < 0.002 (Adopted from Subramanian et al., 2023) 6.2 Case study: integration into modern herbal formulations In another study, the active component 1-Triacontanol cerotate (1TAC) was isolated from the methanolic extract of M. quadrifolia and evaluated for its antiepileptic properties. The study focused on the ability of 1TAC to
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