Anti-acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activity of essential oils from Hedychium gardnerianum sheppard ex ker-gawl

Miguel Arruda, Hugo Viana, Nuno Rainha, Nuno R. Neng, José Silvino Rosa, José M.F. Nogueira, Maria Do Carmo Barreto

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

51 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Acetylcholinesterase inhibition, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Hedychium gardnerianum leaf essential oils from S. Miguel Island were determined. All the oils inhibited acetylcholinesterase, with IC 50 values of approximately 1 mg/mL, showing no statistical differences between collection sites. Three oils presented mixed inhibition, whilst one was almost truly competitive. This activity can be attributed to the presence of sesquiterpenes, which constituted more than 60% of the composition of the oils. Regarding the antioxidant activity as measured by the DPPH method, all the oils presented activities similar to reference compounds, although with statistical differences between collection sites. Cytotoxicity measured using Artemia salina classified these oils as moderately toxic, with LC 50 values ranging from 300 to 500 μg/mL. These results indicate a possible application of these oils in aromatherapy as coadjuvants in the treatment of cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer, since they may contribute to increase acetylcholine in cholinergic neurons and simultaneously fight deleterious oxidations responsible by neurological degeneration.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3082-3092
Number of pages11
JournalMolecules
Volume17
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Anti-acetylcholinesterasic activity
  • Antioxidant activity
  • Essential oils
  • Hedychium gardnerianum

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