New acetylcholinesterase inhibitors isolated from Delphinium uncinatum

The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the key enzyme in the breakdown of acetylcholine, is presently the most common pharmacological approach available for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Despite research on the molecular bases of AD, potent therapeutic agent against its expansion is still needed. In searching for natural cholinesterase inhibitors, the present study was focused on the isolation of three new norditerpenoid alkaloids, uncinatine B-D together with known virescenine from Delphinium uncinatum. Chemical structures for all the isolated norditerpenoids (1–4) were established using latest spectroscopic techniques. The isolated undescribed compounds along with known virescenine were testified for their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity supported by docking analyses. Molecular docking simulation showed that the isolated compounds (1–4) were observed to adhered in the active site of AChE with docking scores ? 13.5322 (1), ?11.8173 (2), ?12.4240 (3) and ? 8.9352 (4) respectively. Overall results demonstrated that these natural norditerpenoids compounds were found as selective inhibitors of AChE. This is the first report regarding the use of bioactive ingredients of Delphinium uncinatum in testing against Alzheimer's disease.     

Hibiscus sabdariffa synthesized gold nanoparticles ameliorate aluminum chloride induced memory deficits through inhibition of COX-2/BACE-1 mRNA expression in rats

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major health challenge worldwide, especially among the elderly. The disease is associated with cognitive and memory deficits. This study investigated the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa synthesized-gold nanoparticles (HS-AuNPs) on AlCl₃-induced memory deficits in rats. Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 7). Group I served as control. Rats in group II - V were exposed to AlCl₃ (100 mg/kg) to induce AD. Group III - V rats were treated with 5 mg/kg donepezil, 5 and 10 mg/kg HS-AuNPs, respectively, for 14 days. Behavioral tests were carried out on the rats on day 28 and 42. At the end of animal experiment, rats were sacrificed and used for various biochemical assays and gene expression. The AD rats showed memory and learning impairment, and these conditions were ameliorated by HS-AuNPs. Significant (p < 0.05) elevation in the activities of acetylcholinesterase, monoamine oxidase and adenosine deaminase, as well as malondialdehyde levels was noted. A significant reduction in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) noted in AlCl₃-induced rats were ameliorated by the 5 and 10 mg/kg b.w. doses of HS-AuNPs. In addition, the increased mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and beta-secretase 1 (BACE-1) caused by AlCl₃ were assuaged by the HS-AuNPs treatment. Based on the activities of HS-AuNPs against AlCl₃-induced AD, HS-AuNPs could be considered a potential therapeutic agent for managing AD.     

Exploring facile synthesis and cholinesterase inhibiting potential of heteroaryl substituted imidazole derivatives for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and cholinesterase (ChE) enzymes are considered as crucial targets for the treatment of AD. Herein, a series of heteroaryl substituted imidazole derivatives (5a-5x) was prepared using amino acid catalyzed, one-pot facile synthetic approach. In this context, the catalytic potentials of different amino acids were investigated and 15 mol% of glutamic acid was identified as the most suitable catalyst to obtain the target products in good yields up to 90 %. These structurally exciting heterocyclic hybrids were screened against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. This series displayed moderate to excellent inhibitory potential against AChE with IC₅₀ values > 25 µM and the most active compound was 3-(4-(1-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)–2H-chromen-2-one (5x) with IC₅₀ value of 25.83 ± 0.25 µM.This inhibitory potential was attributed to hydrophobicity as the major contributory factor. The most potent compound against BChE was 1,3-diphenyl-4-(1,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole (5a) with IC₅₀ value of 0.35 ± 0.02 µM followed by other potent compounds 5p, 5 m, 5x, 5b, 5c, 5e and 5f with IC₅₀ values < 10 µM. SAR studies further revealed that coumarinyl moiety at R¹ position in the imidazolylpyrazole skeleton significantly improved the overall cholinesterase inhibitory potential. However, a simple phenyl ring attached at this R¹ site was highly effective and selective for BChE inhibition (5a) over AChE. Docking data also demonstrated the interaction of 5x and AChE with a docking score of 7564 and atomic contact energy (ACE) value of –291.90 kcal/mol whereas docking score for 5a against BChE was 7096 with ACE value of –332.95 kcal/mol. The results altogether suggest further investigations of the heteroaryl substituted imidazole core skeleton in search of potential leads towards designing of new anti-cholinesterase drugs for the treatment of AD.     

Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum (Lamiaceae) Essential Oil Prevents Behavioral and Oxidative Stress Changes in the Scopolamine Zebrafish Model

Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum has been used as medicinal herbs promoting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective activities. We investigated the protective effects and the mechanism of O. vulgare ssp. hirtum essential oil (OEO) on cognitive impairment and brain oxidative stress in a scopolamine (Sco)-induced zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of cognitive impairment. Our results show that exposure to Sco (100 µM) leads to anxiety, spatial memory, and response to novelty dysfunctions, whereas the administration of OEO (25, 150, and 300 µL/L, once daily for 13 days) reduced anxiety-like behavior and improved cognitive ability, which was confirmed by behavioral tests, such as the novel tank-diving test (NTT), Y-maze test, and novel object recognition test (NOR) in zebrafish. Additionally, Sco-induced brain oxidative stress and increasing of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were attenuated by the administration of OEO. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses were used to elucidate the OEO composition, comprising thymol (38.82%), p-cymene (20.28%), and γ-terpinene (19.58%) as the main identified components. These findings suggest the ability of OEO to revert the Sco-induced cognitive deficits by restoring the cholinergic system activity and brain antioxidant status. Thus, OEO could be used as perspective sources of bioactive compounds, displaying valuable biological activities, with potential pharmaceutical applications.     

Neuroprotective Effect and Antioxidant Potency of Fermented Cultured Wild Ginseng Root Extracts of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer in Mice

Wild ginseng has better pharmacological effects than cultivated ginseng. However, its industrialization is limited by the inability to grow wild ginseng on a large scale. Herein, we demonstrate how to optimize ginseng production through cultivation, and how to enhance the concentrations of specific ginsenosides through fermentation. In the study, we also evaluated the ability of fermented cultured wild ginseng root extract (HLJG0701-β) to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), as well as its neuroprotective effects and antioxidant activity. In in vitro tests, HLJG0701-β inhibited AChE activity and exerted neuroprotective and antioxidant effects (showing increased catalyst activity but decreased reactive oxygen species concentration). In in vivo tests, after HLJG0701-β was orally administered at doses of 0, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg in an animal model of memory impairment, behavioral evaluation (Morris water maze test and Y-maze task test) was performed. The levels of AChE, acetylcholine (ACh), blood catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in brain tissues were measured. The results showed that HLJG0701-β produced the best results at a dose of 250 mg/kg or more. The neuroprotective mechanism of HLJG0701-β was determined to involve the inhibition of AChE activity and a decrease in oxidative stress. In summary, both in vitro and in vivo tests confirmed that HJG0701-β administration can lead to memory improvement.     

The design of fluoroquinolone-based cholinesterase inhibitors: Synthesis,biological evaluation and in silico docking studies

An enhanced acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity is a hallmark in early stages of Alzheimer's ailment that results in decreased acetylcholine (ACh) levels, which in turn leads to cholinergic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Consequently, inhibition of both AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is important to prolong ACh activity in synapses for the enhanced cholinergic neurotransmission. In this study, a series of new fluoroquinolone derivatives (7a-m) have synthesized and evaluated for AChE and BChE inhibitory activities. The screening results suggested that 7 g bearing ortho fluorophenyl was the most active inhibitor against both AChE and BChE, exhibiting IC₅₀ values of 0.70 ± 0.10 µM and 2.20 ± 0.10 µM, respectively. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) revealed that compounds containing electronegative functions (F, Cl, OMe, N and O) at the ortho position of the phenyl group exhibited higher activities as compared to their meta- and/or para substituted counterparts. Molecular docking studies of synthesized compounds 7a, 7g, 7j and 7l docked into the active site of AChE and 7a-f docked into the active site of BChE revealed that these compounds exhibited conventional H-bonding along with π-π interaction with the active residues of AChE through their electronegative functions and phenyl ring, respectively. All the synthesized compounds are characterized by spectroscopic methods including FT-IR, ¹H- and ¹³C NMR as well as elemental analysis. This is the first example of fluoroquinolone-based cholinesterase inhibitors.     

Highly selective NIR fluorescent probe for acetylcholinesterase and its application in pesticide residues detection

A series of near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent substrates (NDRO-1～8) derived from fluorophore NDRH with different volumes of ester bond as the recognition group were designed and synthesized for the detection of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), among which NDRO-1 with the smallest acetate group displayed the highest activity toward AChE. The detection limit of NDRO-1 for sensing AChE was 0.32 µg/mL, and K_m was 6.40 µmol/L, indicating ultra-sensitivity and good affinity of NDRO-1 toward AChE. NDRO-1 was used to detect the inhibitory of four kinds of pesticides including methamidophos, dichlorvos, and the detection limit was lower than 50 µg/L, which was further used in pesticide residues detection.     

A simple method for the synthesis of 4-arylselanyl-7-chloroquinolines used as in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and in vivo memory improvement

We described here an alternative method for the synthesis of 4-arylselanyl-7-chloroquinolines through reactions of 4,7-dichloroquinoline with organylselenols, generated in situ by the reaction of diorganyl diselenides with H₃PO₂ (50 wt% in H₂O). These reactions proceeded efficiently at 60 °C under N₂ atmosphere and are suitable to a range of diorganyl diselenides containing electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups, affording the corresponding 4-aryl-7-chloroquinolines in high yields. The synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and our results demonstrated that the 7-chloro-4-[(4-fluorophenyl)selanyl]quinoline inhibited the AChE activity and improved memory in mice, making this compound is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of Alzheimer disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.     

Synthesis and inhibition profiles of N-benzyl- and N-allyl aniline derivatives against carbonic anhydrase and acetylcholinesterase – A molecular docking study

The alkyl and aryl derivatives of aniline are important starting materials in fine organic synthesis. Allyl bromide and benzyl chloride were taken as substrates for the alkylation reaction and as a halide ion scavenger. Triethylamine was utilized at reflux condition of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA). Novel synthesized N-benzyl and N-allyl aniline derivatives (1a-f) were evaluated to be highly potent inhibitors for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and carbonic anhydrases (hCAs). The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of N-benzyl- and N-allyl aniline derivatives were calculated between 243.11 and 633.54 nM for hCA I, 296.32–518.37 nM for hCA II and 182.45–520.21 nM for AChE enzymes. On the other hand, K_i values are in the range of 149.24 ± 15.59 to 519.59 ± 102.27 nM for AChE, 202.12 ± 16.21 to 635.31 ± 45.33 nM for hCA I and 298.57 ± 94.13 to 511.18 ± 115.98 nM for hCA II isoenzyme. Additionally, in silico molecular docking computations were performed with Autodock Vina program to support the experimental in vitro studies for both hCAs and AChE inhibitors. The in silico molecular docking results demonstrated that the scores are in good agreement with the experimental results.     

Dual inhibitors of Interleukin-6 and acetylcholinesterase for treatment of Alzheimer's disease: Design,docking, synthesis and biological evaluation

Multitarget compounds intercept two or more functionally complementary pathways simultaneously, and are therefore considered to have potential in effectively treating complex multifactorial diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, novel molecules are designed by coupling a chromone and a N,N-disubstituted carbamoyl amine as pharmacophore for interleukin-6 (IL-6) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, respectively. Four series (Y1–Y4) of 40 compounds are designed by using alkyl linkers of different lengths (1–4 carbon atoms) for the coupling of the two selected pharmacophore. Docking of all designed compounds in AChE leads to the identification of twelve best fit compounds (Docking score >8.3). The data suggests that a 1- or 2-carbon atom linker is the most conducive to orient the pharmacophore for optimum binding with AChE active site. The predicted ADME properties of the 12 selected compounds suggest that these can cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) with good oral bioavailability. These compounds are synthesised and evaluated for anti-AChE activity. Five compounds, showing >45% inhibition of AChE, are further evaluated for IL-6 inhibitory activity. Compound Y1f is found to be the most potent inhibitor of both AChE and IL-6 (IC₅₀ 0.7 and 0.8 ​μM, respectively). It suggests that a chromone moiety connected to a piperidine ring through a 1-carbon atom linker may provide a useful template to medical chemists for the development of new chemical entities effective against AD.     

Sweroside Ameliorated Memory Deficits in Scopolamine-Induced Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Model: Involvement of Cholinergic System and Brain Oxidative Stress

Sweroside is a secoiridoid glycoside and belongs to a large group of naturally occurring monoterpenes with glucose sugar attached to C-1 in the pyran ring. Sweroside can promote different biological activities such as antifungal, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, sedative and antitumor, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activities. Zebrafish were given sweroside (12.79, 8.35, and 13.95 nM) by immersion once daily for 8 days, along with scopolamine (Sco, 100 μM) 30 min before the initiation of the behavioral testing to cause anxiety and memory loss. Employing the novel tank diving test (NTT), the Y-maze, and the novel object recognition test (NOR), anxiety-like reactions and memory-related behaviors were assessed. The following seven groups (n = 10 animals per group) were used: control, Sco (100 μM), sweroside treatment (2.79, 8.35, and 13.95 nM), galantamine (GAL, 2.71 μM as the positive control in Y-maze and NOR tests), and imipramine (IMP, 63.11 μM as the positive control in NTT test). Acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) and the antioxidant condition of the brains were also evaluated. The structure of sweroside isolated from Schenkia spicata was identified. Treatment with sweroside significantly improved the Sco-induced decrease of the cholinergic system activity and brain oxidative stress. These results suggest that sweroside exerts a significant effect on anxiety and cognitive impairment, driven in part by the modulation of the cholinergic system activity and brain antioxidant action.     

Synthesis characterization and evaluation of novel triazole based analogs as a acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase inhibitors

A series of novel triazole analogs (10a-k) bearing piperidine were synthesized in an aprotic solvent on the most effective pharmacophore with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Triazole analogs (10a-k) were obtained in excellent yields (75–90 %) and characterized by EI-MS, IR, ¹³C NMR and ¹H NMR. The newly synthesized triazole analogs (10a-k) showed potent AChE inhibitory activity in the range of K_i = 0.0155 ± 1.25 µM to 0.557 ± 0.50 µM, IC₅₀ = 0.031 ± 0.85 to 0.537 ± 0.76 µM than Eserine (0.04 ± 0.001 µM) having strong electron-withdrawing fluorine group on the pyridine ring was recorded as a most potent inhibitor of AChE while (%) inhibition against α-glucosidase was ranging between 52.36 ± 1.67 to 85.35 ± 1.39. The kinetic study predicted that triazole analogs (10a-k) followed the un-competitive and mixed type of inhibition against AChE. In silico molecular docking was performed at the active site of the AChE co-crystal structure (PDB ID:1NEN). The results of molecular docking corelate will with the experimental findings.     

Acetylcholinesterase-based biosensors for quantification of carbofuran, carbaryl, methylparaoxon, and dichlorvos in 5% acetonitrile

Amperometric acetylcholinesterase biosensors have been developed for quantification of the pesticides carbofuran, carbaryl, methylparaoxon, and dichlorvos in phosphate buffer containing 5% acetonitrile. Three different biosensors were built using three different acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes—AChE from electric eel, and genetically engineered (B394) and wild-type (B1) AChE from Drosophila melanogaster. Enzymes were immobilized on cobalt(II) phthalocyanine-modified electrodes by entrapment in a photocrosslinkable polymer (PVA-AWP). Each biosensor was tested against the four pesticides. Good operational stability, immobilisation reproducibility, and storage stability were obtained for each biosensor. The best detection limits were obtained with the B394 enzyme for dichlorvos and methylparaoxon (9.6 × 10⁻¹¹ and 2.7 × 10⁻⁹ mol L⁻¹, respectively), the B1 enzyme for carbofuran (4.5 × 10⁻⁹ mol L⁻¹), and both the B1 enzyme and the AChE from electric eel for carbaryl (1.6 × 10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹). Finally, the biosensors were used for the direct detection of the pesticides in spiked apple samples.     

First Synthesis of Racemic Trans Propargylamino-Donepezil,a Pleiotrope Agent Able to Both Inhibit AChE and MAO-B,with Potential Interest against Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease towards which pleiotropic approach using Multi-Target Directed Ligands is nowadays recognized as probably convenient. Among the numerous targets which are today validated against AD, acetylcholinesterase (ACh) and Monoamine Oxidase-B (MAO-B) appear as particularly convincing, especially if displayed by a sole agent such as ladostigil, currently in clinical trial in AD. Considering these results, we wanted to take benefit of the structural analogy lying in donepezil (DPZ) and rasagiline, two indane derivatives marketed as AChE and MAO-B inhibitors, respectively, and to propose the synthesis and the preliminary in vitro biological characterization of a structural compromise between these two compounds, we called propargylaminodonepezil (PADPZ). The synthesis of racemic trans PADPZ was achieved and its biological evaluation established its inhibitory activities towards both (h)AChE (IC₅₀ = 0.4 µM) and (h)MAO-B (IC₅₀ = 6.4 µM).     

2-methylindole analogs as cholinesterases and glutathione S-transferase inhibitors: Synthesis,biological evaluation,molecular docking,and pharmacokinetic studies

In this study, we aimed to (i) synthesize new 2-methylindole analogs containing various amino structures, pyrrolidine, piperidine, morpholine, and substituted phenyl groups through structural and molecular modifications, (ii) evaluate the pharmaceutical potential of 2-methylindole analogs via assessing enzyme inhibitory activity against glutathione S-transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), (iii) predict ADMET and pharmacokinetic properties of the synthesized 2-methylindole analogs, (iv) reveal the possible interactions between the synthesized 2-methylindole analogs with GST, AChE, and BChE enzymes using several molecular docking software. In vitro enzyme inhibition assays showed that the synthesized indole analogs exhibited moderate to good inhibitory activities against GST, AChE, and BChE enzymes. Briefly, the inhibitory activities of the analogs 4b and 4i against AChE, 4a and 4b against BChE, and analogs 1 and 4i against GST were detected to be higher or close to the standard inhibitor compounds. The analog 4b was detected to have the best inhibitory activity against both AChE and BChE enzymes with the lowest IC₅₀ values as 0.648 µM for AChE and 0.745 µM for BChE. The analyses of enzyme inhibition relationship with the synthesized analogs could help to design new analogs for the inhibitors of cholinergic and glutathione pathways based on the indole derivatives.     

Huperzine A and Its Neuroprotective Molecular Signaling in Alzheimer’s Disease

Huperzine A (HupA), an alkaloid found in the club moss Huperzia serrata, has been used for centuries in Chinese folk medicine to treat dementia. The effects of this alkaloid have been attributed to its ability to inhibit the cholinergic enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), acting as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI). The biological functions of HupA have been studied both in vitro and in vivo, and its role in neuroprotection appears to be a good therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer´s disease (AD). Here, we summarize the neuroprotective effects of HupA on AD, with an emphasis on its interactions with different molecular signaling avenues, such as the Wnt signaling, the pre- and post-synaptic region mechanisms (synaptotagmin, neuroligins), the amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing, the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) accumulation, and mitochondrial protection. Our goal is to provide an integrated overview of the molecular mechanisms through which HupA affects AD.     

The Potential Neuroprotective Effect of Cyperus esculentus L. Extract in Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Rats: Extensive Biological and Metabolomics Approaches

The aim of the present study is to investigate the phytochemical composition of tiger nut (TN) (Cyperus esculentus L.) and its neuroprotective potential in scopolamine (Scop)-induced cognitive impairment in rats. The UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis enabled the putative annotation of 88 metabolites, such as saccharides, amino acids, organic acids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Treatment with TN extract restored Scop-induced learning and memory impairments. In parallel, TN extract succeeded in lowering amyloid beta, β-secretase protein expression and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity in the hippocampus of rats. TN extract decreased malondialdehyde levels, restored antioxidant levels and reduced proinflammatory cytokines as well as the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Histopathological analysis demonstrated marked neuroprotection in TN-treated groups. In conclusion, the present study reveals that TN extract attenuates Scop-induced memory impairments by diminishing amyloid beta aggregates, as well as its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-AChE activities.     

Phenolic composition,antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth., Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl) A. Gray,and Crossopteryx febrifuga (Afzel.) Benth

Medicinal plants from Chad grow under special climatic conditions in between the equatorial forest of Central Africa and the desert of North Africa and are understudied. Three medicinal plants from Chad (T. diversifolia, P. Biglobosa and C. Febrifuga) were evaluated for their phenolic composition, antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities. The total phenolic composition varied from 203.19 ± 0.58 mg GAE/g DW in the ethyl acetate extract of P. biglobosa, to 56.41 ± 0.89 mg GAE/g DW in the methanol extract of C. febrifuga while the total flavonoid content varied from 51.85 ± 0.91 mg QE/g DW in the methanol extract of P. biglobosa to 08.56 ± 0.25 mg QE/g DW in the methanol extract of C. febrifuga. HPLC-DAD revealed that rutin, gallic acid and protocatechuic acid were the most abundant phenolics in T. diversifolia, P. Biglobosa and C. Febrifuga respectively. The antioxidant activity assayed by five different methods revealed very good activity especially in the DPPH^?, ABTS^?+ and CUPRAC assays where the extracts were more active than the standard compounds used. Good inhibition was exhibited against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) with methanol (IC₅₀: 15.63 ± 0.72 µg/mL), ethyl acetate (IC₅₀: 16.20 ± 0.67 µg/mL) extracts of P. biglobosa, and methanol (IC₅₀: 21.53 ± 0.65 µg/mL) and ethyl acetate (IC₅₀: 30.81 ± 0.48 µg/mL) extracts of T. diversifolia showing higher inhibition than galantamine (IC₅₀: 42.20 ± 0.44 µg/mL) against BChE. Equally, good inhibition was shown on α-amylase and α-glucosidase. On the α-glucosidase, the ethyl acetate (IC₅₀ = 12.47 ± 0.61 µg/mL) and methanol extracts (IC₅₀ = 16.51 ± 0.18 µg/mL) of P. biglobosa showed higher activity compared to the standard acarbose (IC₅₀ = 17.35 ± 0.71 µg/mL) and on α-amylase, the ethyl acetate (IC₅₀ = 13.50 ± 0.90 µg/mL) and methanol (IC₅₀ = 18.12 ± 0.33 µg/mL) extracts of P. biglobosa showed higher activity compared to acarbose (IC₅₀ = 23.84 ± 0.25 µg/mL). The results indicate that these plants are good sources of antioxidant phenolics and can be used to manage oxidative stress linked illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.     

Novel Donepezil–Arylsulfonamide Hybrids as Multitarget-Directed Ligands for Potential Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most devastating neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by multiple pathological features. Therefore, multi-target drug discovery has been one of the most active fields searching for new effective anti-AD therapies. Herein, a series of hybrid compounds are reported which were designed and developed by combining an aryl-sulfonamide function with a benzyl-piperidine moiety, the pharmacophore of donepezil (a current anti-AD acetylcholinesterase AChE inhibitor drug) or its benzyl-piperazine analogue. The in vitro results indicate that some of these hybrids achieve optimized activity towards two main AD targets, by displaying excellent AChE inhibitory potencies, as well as the capability to prevent amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation. Some of these hybrids also prevented Aβ-induced cell toxicity. Significantly, drug-like properties were predicted, including for blood-brain permeability. Compound 9 emerged as a promising multi-target lead compound (AChE inhibition (IC₅₀ 1.6 μM); Aβ aggregation inhibition 60.7%). Overall, this family of hybrids is worthy of further exploration, due to the wide biological activity of sulfonamides.     

Nucleosides rich extract from Cordyceps cicadae alleviated cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity in rats: A behavioral,biochemical and histopathological study

This work explored the protective effects of nucleosides rich extract from C. cicadae (CCNE) against cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity. The rats were divided into four groups: normal control (NCA), cisplatin control (CCA), CCNE-L + cisplatin (CCNE-L) and CCNE-H + cisplatin (CCNE-H). The rats in CCNE-L and CCNE-H were orally administered with 100 and 400 mg/kg of CCNE, respectively for five weeks, while the rats in CCA, CCNE-L and CCNE-H groups received intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 mg/kg cisplatin once a week for four weeks starting from the second week of CCNE treatment. After the final treatment, the rats were subjected to behavioural task including Morris water maze test (MWMT), Y maze test, forced swimming (FST), open field test (OFT), rotarod test as well as heat and mechanical hyperalgesia test. Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed and oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammatory mediators and acetylcholinesterase activities were measured in the brain. The histopathological assessment of the brain issues was also performed using H&E staining. The results indicated that CCNE significantly ameliorative cisplatin induced learning and memory impairment (MWMT and Y maze test), depressive behaviours (FST and OFT), motor coordination as well as thermal (hot plate and tail withdrawal test) and mechanical hyperalgesia (von Frey filament test). Furthermore, CCNE decreased acetylcholinesterase level, proinflammatory cytokines levels and lipid peroxidation, with concomitant increase in antioxidant enzymes profiles in the brain tissues of cisplatin treated rats. Additionally, CCNE treatment alleviated histopathological alterations in the brain tissues caused by cisplatin treatment. These results suggested that CCNE ameliorated memory impairment deficits, neuropathy, increased oxidative stress, inflammation in cisplatin treated rats through the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation.