Cytotoxicity and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of an isolated crinine alkaloid from Boophane disticha (Amaryllidaceae)

Abstract

Boophane disticha of the family Amaryllidaceae is used traditionally by the indigenous people of southern Africa in the treatment of several neurological disorders. Weak decoctions of bulb scales are given to sedate violent, psychotic patients while bulb infusions are reported to be used to treat mental illness. The present study describes for the first time, the isolation of 6-hydroxycrinamine, a crinine alkaloid, from the methanol extract of the bulbs of Boophane disticha. Although this compound possessed activity, it was found to be toxic to the neuroblastoma cells. Quantitative structure-activity relationship studies could be carried out to modify the structure in order to make it less toxic and improve its activity.