Pentacyclic triterpenes from Maytenus genus as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

Abstract

Objective: Species of the Maytenus genus have been used in traditional medicine to treat a wide variety of human diseases. These species represent a promising source of bioactive substances of pharmacological interest. As part of a research project on phytochemical and biological activity studies of the low polarity extracts of the Maytenus genus, the extracts and eleven known pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from roots of Maytenus imbricata, and branches of Maytenus gonoclada were investigated for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory property. Methods: The acetylcholinesterase inhibition was evaluated by direct thin layer chromatography bioautography and microplate assays. Results: The crude extracts did not exhibit acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, but pentacyclic triterpenes, 3-oxo-11α-hydroxylup-20(29)-ene, 3-oxo-29-hydroxyfriedelane and 3,7-dioxofriedelane were active when compared to the standard compound physostigmine (eserine). Conclusion: The in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibition property of these three pentacyclic triterpenes from Maytenus genus gives them the potential compounds to be applied in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.