Acetylcholinesterase inhibition and antioxidant activity of essential oils from Schinus areira L. and Schinus longifolia (Lindl.) Speg

Nat Prod Commun. 2009 Jun;4(6):873-6.

Abstract

The essential oils of Schinus areira L. and S. longifolia (Lindl.) Speg. (Anacardiaceae) have been studied for their in vitro anti-acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activities. The chemical composition of the oils obtained by hydrodistillation was determined by GC-MS. Fruit and leaf oils of S. areira were analyzed separately. The essential oil from S. longifolia elicited marked enzymatic inhibition (IC50 = 20.0 +/- 1.0 microg/mL) and showed radical scavenger activity (IC50 = 25.2 +/- 2.4 microg/mL). The essential oil from S. areira leaves was more active than that of the fruits in both bioassays.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anacardiaceae / chemistry*
  • Antioxidants / chemistry*
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Oils, Volatile / chemistry*
  • Oils, Volatile / pharmacology
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Plant Oils / chemistry*
  • Plant Oils / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Oils, Volatile
  • Plant Oils