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image of Assessment of the Inhibition of AChE and BChE by Carthamus caeruleus Essential Oil and Carline Oxide: Neuroprotective Effects and In Vivo Toxicity Assessment for the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Background

Alzheimer’s disease is associated with dysfunction of the cholinergic system, making the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) a promising therapeutic approach.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects and toxicity of essential oil (EO) and carlina oxide from in mice, assessing their potential for Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

Methods

The chemical composition of the essential oil extracted from the roots of was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The main component, carlina oxide, was isolated column chromatography. The inhibitory activities of AChE and BChE were evaluated for both the essential oil and carlina oxide. Additionally, toxicity was assessed in laboratory mice.

Results

Chemical analysis identified carlina oxide (81.6%) as the major constituent, along with minor compounds such as 13-methoxycarlin oxide and hexadecanoic acid. Both the essential oil and its main component, carlina oxide, exhibited significant inhibitory activity against AChE and BChE, enzymes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The essential oil demonstrated promising IC values, with stronger anti-BChE activity compared to the reference drug, galantamine. Toxicity tests in mice revealed no adverse effects at lower doses (0.2-0.5 g/kg). However, higher doses (1.0-2.0 g/kg) resulted in mild to significant toxicity, including weight loss and mortality.

Discussion

The essential oil and carlina oxide demonstrated potent BChE inhibition, particularly relevant in advanced Alzheimer's disease. While effective at low doses, signs of toxicity were observed at higher concentrations, highlighting the importance of dose optimization. These findings suggest that may serve as a natural source of cholinesterase inhibitors, pending further studies and clinical validation.

Conclusion

essential oil and carlina oxide show promising inhibitory effects on AChE and BChE, suggesting their potential as neuroprotective agents. However, their toxicity at higher doses highlights the need for cautious use and further investigation.

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2025-06-05
2025-09-10

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Assessment of the Inhibition of AChE and BChE by Carthamus caeruleus Essential Oil and Carline Oxide: Neuroprotective Effects and In Vivo Toxicity Assessment for the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0115672050383227250529072253
/content/journals/car/10.2174/0115672050383227250529072253
/content/journals/car/10.2174/0115672050383227250529072253
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: Carthamus caeruleus ; essential oil ; neuroprotection ; Alzheimer’s disease ; toxicity ; acetylcholinesterase (AChE) ; carlina oxide ; butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)

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