Xanthones from Gentiana campestris as new acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Planta Med. 2004 Oct;70(10):1011-4. doi: 10.1055/s-2004-832632.

Abstract

In order to discover new acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, different plant extracts were screened by a previously established TLC bioautographic method. The methanol extract of Gentiana campestris leaves exhibited significant inhibition of AChE activity. A bioactivity-guided fractionation approach was undertaken to isolate the active components. Four xanthones, bellidin, bellidifolin, bellidin 8-O-beta-glucopyranoside (norswertianolin), and bellidifolin 8-O-beta-glucopyranoside (swertianolin), were found to be responsible for the anti-AChE activity effects. Bellidifolin showed similar activity to galanthamine in this enzyme assay.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholinesterase / drug effects
  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Gentiana*
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Plant Leaves
  • Xanthones / administration & dosage
  • Xanthones / pharmacology*
  • Xanthones / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Plant Extracts
  • Xanthones
  • Acetylcholinesterase