Acetylcholinesterase inhibition starting from extracts of Bauhinia variegata L., Bauhinia var. candida (Aiton) Buch.-Ham., and Bauhinia ungulata L

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2011 Nov-Dec;44(6):781-3. doi: 10.1590/s0037-86822011000600025.

Abstract

Introduction: A treatment to the Alzheimer's disease consists inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase, which is responsible for the acetylcholine control in the synapses.

Methods: We have investigated the potential of inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase produced by hexane extracts of leaves, branches, and flowers from three Bauhinia specimens, which is based on the technique of thin layer chromatography and on identifying the organ of the plant that possesses larger concentration of inhibitors.

Results: Retention factor analysis shows values of 0.31aA, 0.31aA, and 0.46aB for flowers B. variegata, B. var. candida, and B. ungulata, respectively.

Conclusions: The flower extract of B. ungulata is the most suitable for further studies on this inhibition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bauhinia / chemistry*
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / isolation & purification*
  • Chromatography, Thin Layer
  • Flowers / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Plant Stems / chemistry

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Plant Extracts