Acetylcholinesterase activity of alkaloids from the leaves of Waltheria brachypetala

Abstract

Chemical investigation of the leaves of Waltheria brachypetala Turks (Sterculiaceae) resulted in the isolation of quinolinone alkaloids, waltherione-A, waltherione-B (N-methylwaltherione-A), 8-methoxyflindersine, and the cyclic peptide alkaloid waltherine. The inhibition of activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by the alkaloids was evaluated. Waltherione-A, waltherione-B and waltherine showed significant activity.