Molecular evaluation of herbal compounds as potent inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Chen,Yan‑Xiu; Li,Guan‑Zeng; Zhang,Bin; Xia,Zhang‑Yong; Zhang,Mei

doi:10.3892/mmr.2016.5244

Molecular evaluation of herbal compounds as potent inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Authors:
- Yan‑Xiu Chen
- Guan‑Zeng Li
- Bin Zhang
- Zhang‑Yong Xia
- Mei Zhang
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Affiliations: Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Taishan Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China, Department of Neurology, The 3rd People's Hospital of Liaocheng, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China, Department of Neurology, The 5th People's Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei 430050, P.R. China
Published online on: May 11, 2016 https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2016.5244
Pages: 446-452

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Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive disease and the predominant cause of dementia. Common symptoms include short-term memory loss, and confusion with time and place. Individuals with AD depend on their caregivers for assistance, and may pose a burden to them. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme is a key target in AD and inhibition of this enzyme may be a promising strategy in the drug discovery process. In the present study, an inhibitory assay was carried out against AChE using total alkaloidal plants and herbal extracts commonly available in vegetable markets. Subsequently, molecular docking simulation analyses of the bioactive compounds present in the plants were conducted, as well as a protein‑ligand interaction analysis. The stability of the docked protein‑ligand complex was assessed by 20 ns molecular dynamics simulation. The inhibitory assay demonstrated that Uncaria rhynchophylla and Portulaca oleracea were able to inhibit AChE. In addition, molecular docking simulation analyses indicated that catechin present in Uncaria rhynchophylla, and dopamine and norepinephrine present in Portulaca oleracea, had the best docking scores and interaction energy. In conclusion, catechin in Uncaria rhynchophylla, and dopamine and norepinephrine in Portulaca oleracea may be used to treat AD.

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