Alkaloid Profiling and Cholinesterase Inhibitory Potential of Crinum × amabile Donn. (Amaryllidaceae) Collected in Ecuador

Abstract

Natural products are one of the main sources for developing new drugs. The alkaloids obtained from the plant family Amaryllidaceae have interesting structures and biological activities, such as acetylcholinesterase inhibition potential, which is one of the mechanisms used for the palliative treatment of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. Herein we report the alkaloidal profile of bulbs and leaves extracts of Crinum × amabile collected in Ecuador and their in vitro inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) enzymes. Using Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), we identified 12 Amaryllidaceae alkaloids out of 19 compounds detected in this species. The extracts from bulbs and leaves showed great inhibitory activity against AChE and BuChE, highlighting the potential of Amaryllidaceae family in the search of bioactive molecules.

Alkaloid Profiling and Anti-Cholinesterase Potential of Three Different Genera of Amaryllidaceae Collected in Ecuador: <em>Urceolina</em> Rchb., <em>Clinanthus</em> Herb., and <em>Stenomesson</em> Herb

“…According to the literature, the species P. cuencana was the most active against AChE, with IC50 values of 0.88 ± 0.11 µg•ml -1 , while the best activity against BuChE was observed for P. dubia, which showed IC50 values of 14.26 ± 2.71 µg•ml -1 [16,17]. Recently, the bulbs and leaves alkaloid extract of Crinum x amabile also collected in Ecuador have been evaluated against the same enzymes, being the bulbs the most active against AChE, with IC50 values of 1.35 ± 0.13 µg•ml -1 , while the leaves showed better activity against BuChE, with IC50 values of 8.50 ± 0.76 and 45.42 ± 3.72 µg•ml -1 , respectively [18].…”

“…In recent years, the Amaryllidaceae species from Ecuador have garnered significant attention due to their alkaloid profiling and potential therapeutic benefits against Alzheimer's disease. The description and understanding of these species have progressively expanded in the literature in the last 10 years [15][16][17][18].…”

The Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Tulbaghia, Allium, Crinum and Cyrtanthus: ‘Talented’ Taxa from the Amaryllidaceae

“…In Tanzania, the fruit and inner part of the bulbs are used as purgatives, and the outer scales employed as rat poison [ 245 , 246 ]. Extracts of Crinum delagoense ( C. delagoense) Verdoorn is utilized in Zulu and Xhosa traditional medicine in South Africa to treat urinary tract infections and body oedema [ 247 , 248 , 249 ]. Rheumatism, aching joints, septic sores, varicose veins, and kidney and bladder infections have all been treated using the South African Crinum bulbispermum ( C. bulbispermum) [ 250 ].…”