A preliminary investigation of anticholinesterase activity of some Iranian medicinal plants commonly used in traditional medicine

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of some commonly used herbal medicine in Iran to introduce a new source for management of Alzheimer’s disease. A total of 18 aqueous-methanolic extract (1:1; v/v) from the following plants: Brassica alba, Brassica nigra, Camellia sinensis, Cinchona officinalis, Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus x aurantium, Ferula assafoetida, Humulus lupulus, Juglans regia, Juniperus sabina, Myristica fragrans, Pelargonium graveolens, Pistacia vera, Punica granatum, Rheum officinale, Rosa damascena, Salix alba, and Zizyphus vulgaris were prepared and screened for their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity using in vitro Ellman spectrophotometric method.ResultsAccording to the obtained results, the order of inhibitory activity (IC50 values, μg /ml) of extracts from highest to the lowest was: C. sinensis (5.96), C. aurantifolia (19.57), Z. vulgaris (24.37), B. nigra (84.30) and R. damascena (93.1).ConclusionsThe results indicated and confirmed the traditional use of these herbs for management of central nervous system disorders. C. sinensis showed the highest activity in inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. However, further investigations on identification of active components in the extracts are needed.

DNA protection, antioxidant, antibacterial and enzyme inhibition activities of heartwood and sapwood extracts from juniper and olive woods

“…84 Significant anticholinesterase activities of five Juniperus species from Turkey were studied by Orhan et al 3 In the other study, Jazayeri et al 85 reported that fruit of J. sabina had an anticholinesterase effect. 84 Significant anticholinesterase activities of five Juniperus species from Turkey were studied by Orhan et al 3 In the other study, Jazayeri et al 85 reported that fruit of J. sabina had an anticholinesterase effect.…”

Anti-amnesic activity of Citrus aurantium flowers extract against scopolamine-induced memory impairments in rats

“…Linalool (59 %) and linalyl acetate (23 %) constitute the major composition of the essential oil of Citrus aurantium [11]. Previous studies showed that Citrus aurantium plant had inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase [12,13].…”

Evaluation of aromatherapy with essential oils of Rosa damascena for the management of premenstrual syndrome

“…Moreover, reduced parasympathetic activity is another cause of PMS; inhalation of R. damascena essential oil increases the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system but reduces that of the sympathetic nervous system . R. damascensa has a proven anti‐acetylcholinesterase effect owing to the presence of compounds such as flavonoids . Improvements in the symptoms of PMS by inhalation of lavender and yuzu essential oils have also been shown to occur through increasing parasympathetic activity …”