Terpenes, Phenylpropanoids, Sulfur and Other Essential Oil Constituents as Inhibitors of Cholinesterases

Abstract

Essential oils constituents are a diverse family of low molecular weight organic compounds with comprehensive biological activity. According to their chemical structure these active compounds can be divided into four major groups: terpenes, terpenoids, phenylpropenes, and "others". In addition, they may contain diverse functional groups according to which they can be classified as hydrocarbons (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and aliphatic hydrocarbons); oxygenated compounds (monoterpene and sesquiterpene alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and other oxygenated compounds); and sulfur and/or nitrogen sulfur-containing compounds (thioesters, sulfides, isothiocyantes, nitriles, and others). Compounds that act as cholinesterase inhibitors still represent the only pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer´s disease. Numerous in vitro studies showed that some compounds, found in essential oils, have a promising cholinesterase inhibitory activity, such as α-pinene, δ-3-carene, 1,8-cineole, carvacrol, thymohydroquinone, α- and β-asarone, anethole, etc. This review summarizes the most relevant research published to date on essential oil constituents and their acetylcholinesterase/butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory potential as well as their structure related activity, synergistic and antagonistic effects.

Chemical Constituents and Biologic Activities of Sage Species: A Comparison between Salvia officinalis L., S. glutinosa L. and S. transsylvanica (Schur ex Griseb. & Schenk) Schur

“…For S. transsylvanica and S. glutinosa AchE inhibitory potential was comparable (1.72 ± 0.09 mg GALAE/g extract and 1.70 ± 0.16 mg GALAE/g extract), while the anti-BchE activity was almost three-fold higher for S. transsylvanica (1.43 ± 0.19 mgGALAE/g extract) than for S. glutinosa (0.52 ± 0.10 mgGALAE/g extract). The obtained results could be linked to the presence in high amounts of some phenolics (i.e., catechin, rutin) and monoterpenoidic (i.e., carvacrol) compounds (previously reported for their BChE inhibitory potential [34,39,40]) in the extract of S. transsylvanica.…”

In vitro neuroprotective potential of terpenes from industrial orange juice by-products

“…As illustrated in the PCA plot, enzymatic inhibition activity seems to be associated with the presence of C15 terpenoids (such as γ-selinene or Guaiol). In this regard, relationship between terpenoid molecular structures and AChE/BChE inhibition activity has been reported in literature 33 . In agreement with our results, some studies have shown that hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes like valencene are active against cholinesterase enzymes 33 .…”

“…In this regard, relationship between terpenoid molecular structures and AChE/BChE inhibition activity has been reported in literature 33 . In agreement with our results, some studies have shown that hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes like valencene are active against cholinesterase enzymes 33 . In addition, the presence of oxygenated functional group in terpenoidal structure (e.g.…”

“…In addition, the presence of oxygenated functional group in terpenoidal structure (e.g. terpineol) decreased inhibition activity 33 . In a natural matrix from plants the presence of high amount of sesquiterpenoids can lead to great inhibition capacity due to a synergic effect 33 .…”

Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Preliminary Evaluation of 2‐(1,2,3‐Triazoyl)benzaldehydes As Multifunctional Agents for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

“…Finally, we verify the versatility of the method in reactions using propargylic sulfides and selenides as starting materials, and good yields of the desired products 5 q and 5 r could be obtained ( Figure 2, compounds 5 q and 5 r). It is known, compounds containing aldehydes or even benzaldehydes have been presenting interesting biological action, such as: antimicrobial and anticancer activity, [27] cholinesterase inhibition [28] and memory and learning improvement. [29] Considering the presented potential of the compounds containing aldehydes and triazole groups in the literature, new compounds containing both structures in the chemical composition would be an advantageous strategy to search for new bioactive molecules, or even new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.…”