Previous investigation on Huperzia saururus plant species showed that its main constituents are alkaloids and the quali-quantitative composition was determined. Besides, the purified alkaloid extract (AE) was assayed and it showed a marked acetilcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitory effect. In relation whit this activity we also tested AE activity on the hippocampal long term potentiation (LTP) generation, and we have obtained positive results.
The present study had the aim to identify which of the compounds is/are responsible for the AE inhibitory action on AchE. Thus, we tested sauroxine and sauroine, two of the majority compounds of the AE by using an in vitro colorimetric method described by Ellman
Results show that sauroxine develops an inhibitory effect on AchE. It was evaluated in seven different concentrations showing a IC50= 12 µg/mL On the other hand, sauroine did not produce inhibition on the enzyme at any concentration, not even at 500 µg/mL.
Further studies will make possible the identification of other responsible for the inhibitory activity of AE.
