Hippeastrum stapfianum (Kraenzl.) R.S.Oliveira & Dutilh (Amaryllidaceae) Ethanol Extract Activity on Acetylcholinesterase and PPAR-α/γ Receptors

Abstract

<i>Hippeastrum stapfianum</i> (Kraenzl.) R.S.Oliveira & Dutilh (Amaryllidaceae) is an endemic plant species from the Brazilian savannah with biological and pharmacological potential. This study evaluated the effects of ethanol extract from <i>H. stapfianum</i> leaves on acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity and the action on nuclear receptors PPAR-α and PPAR-γ. A gene reporter assay was performed to assess the PPAR agonist or antagonist activity with a non-toxic dose of <i>H. stapfianum</i> ethanol extract. The antioxidant capacity was investigated using DPPH^• scavenging and fosfomolybdenium reduction assays. The identification of <i>H. stapfianum</i>'s chemical composition was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and HPLC. The ethanol extract of <i>H. stapfianum</i> activated PPAR-α and PPAR-γ selectively, inhibited the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, and presented antioxidant activity in an in vitro assay. The major compounds identified were lycorine, 7-demethoxy-9-<i>O</i>-methylhostasine, and rutin. Therefore, <i>H. stapfianum</i> is a potential source of drugs for Alzheimer's disease due to its ability to activate PPAR receptors, acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity, and antioxidant attributes.