Abstract

This study deals with evaluation of acetylcholinesterase activity of Liquidambar styraciflua aerial parts methanol 80% extract and identification of the bio-active phytoconstituents of the extract. The acetylcholinesterase inhibition was detected by Ellman’s method and the methanol extract was subjected for phytochemical analysis. The extract of L. styraciflua has shown (IC50 = 0.070 mg/mL), with a similar activity to neostigmine (IC50 = 1.87 µg/mL) and galanthamine (IC50 = 0.37 x10–3 mg/mL) which are the most effective compounds in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Phytochemical investigation of methanol extract of L. styraciflua revealed the presence of triterpenes, flavonoids, tannins and carbohydrates and chromatographic separation and fractionation of methanol extract of L. styraciflua resulted in the isolation of ß-sitosterol, lupeol, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, luteolin, orientin, isoorientin, kaempferol 3-O-a-rhamnoside and kaempferol 3-O-ß-glucoside. These results suggest that methanol extract of L. styraciflua is a good natural source for acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.