Evaluation of anti-acetylcholinesterase activity and antioxidant potential of ricinine (a central nervous system stimulant) isolated from Ricinius communis L.

In the current research,an attempt has been made to isolate ricinine (an alkaloid) from the leaves of ricinus communis l. for its possible applications in the prevention and treatment of alzheimer's disease. the anti-acetylcholinesterase (anti-ache) and antioxidant activity of ricinine was determined. antioxidant and metal chelating activity was evaluated by 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation (abts.+) decolorisation and ferrozine metal chelating assays. screening of the ache inhibitory activity by flow injection method showed significant inhibitory action with ic50 values of 54.5 μg/ml. the stronger abts.+ scavenging potential (ic50 63.80μg/ml) as well as metal chelating potential (ic50 31.27 μg/ml) of ricinine was observed. we conclude that because of high yield (4mg/200g of dried material),the compound may be considered as a promising cognition-enhancing drug for the treatment and prevention of human dementia. © 2016,chemical society of pakistan. all rights reserved.