Alkaloid Profile Characterisation and Bioactivity Evaluation of Bolivian <i>Hippeastrum</i> Species (Amaryllidaceae) as Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Amaryllidaceae alkaloids from the Amaryllidoideae subfamily exhibit broad pharmacological activities, including neuroprotection and anticancer effects. Galanthamine is a key compound for Alzheimer’s therapy. The <i>Hippeastrum</i> genus, particularly in Bolivia, offers significant potent...

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Main Authors: María Lenny Rodríguez-Escobar, Raúl Fernando Lara, Margoth Atahuachi, Alfredo F. Fuentes, Carla Maldonado, Jaume Bastida, Luciana R. Tallini, Laura Torras-Claveria
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Life
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/5/719
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Summary:Amaryllidaceae alkaloids from the Amaryllidoideae subfamily exhibit broad pharmacological activities, including neuroprotection and anticancer effects. Galanthamine is a key compound for Alzheimer’s therapy. The <i>Hippeastrum</i> genus, particularly in Bolivia, offers significant potential for novel drug discovery, emphasising the need for conservation and further phytochemical research. Twenty-seven samples from Bolivian <i>Hippeastrum</i> species were investigated in terms of their alkaloid profile and anticholinesterase activity. The phytochemical analysis of Bolivian <i>Hippeastrum</i> species via GC-MS identified 48 Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, displaying diverse structural groups with potential pharmacological significance. Lycorine- and Homolycorine-type alkaloids were predominant, particularly in <i>H. chionedyanthum</i> and <i>H. haywardii</i>, with high concentrations of lycorine, a promising anticancer compound. The species <i>H. evansiarum</i> and <i>H. mollevillquense</i> contained notable quantities of Galanthamine type alkaloids, relevant for Alzheimer’s treatment. This study also highlights variability in acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities, with <i>H. lara-ricoi</i> and <i>H. haywardii</i> demonstrating strong inhibition. These findings suggest that <i>Hippeastrum</i> species are a valuable source of bioactive compounds, warranting further research into their therapeutic applications.
ISSN:2075-1729