Stephapierrines A–H, new tetrahydroprotoberberine and aporphine alkaloids from the tubers of <i>Stephania pierrei</i> Diels and their anti-cholinesterase activities
Waraluck Chaichompoo, Pornchai Rojsitthisak, Wachirachai Pabuprapap, Yuttana Siriwattanasathien, Pathumwadee Yotmanee, Woraphot Haritakun, Apichart Suksamrarn
Abstract
Diels. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and physical properties. The structures of the known compounds were characterized by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those previously reported. Compound 42 exhibited the strongest acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity, which was more active than galanthamine, the reference drug. Compound 23 showed the highest butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activity, which was also more active than galanthamine. Molecular docking studies are in good agreement with the experimental results.