Evaluation of anti-cholinesterase activity of the standardized extract of Piper betel L. leaf

Piper betel L. (Piperaceae) is popularly known as betel leaves. In Indian culture betel leaves play an important role for the management of numerous diseases. The present study was an attempt to evaluate the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity of the standardized extract of P. betel leaf. After extraction the P. betel leaf extract was standardized with the help of hydroxychavicol and chlorogenic acid as bio- markers, through HPLC. Further the anticholinesterase inhibitory activities of the standardized extract were evaluated by using 96-well micro plate assay and thin layer chromatography bioassay detection methods. Results of the present study showed that hydroxychavicol isolated from P. betel showed potential enzyme inhibition activity than chlorogenic acid. Moreover, the mixture of hydroxychavicol (HCH) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) in 1:1 ratio have showed more potent cholinergic activity than tested fraction and used bio marker compounds. AChE and BChE inhibition (IC50) of HCH and CGA (1:1) was found to be 21.23 ± 0.33 μg/mL and 45.55 ± 1.89 μg/mL respectively. Outcome of the investigation exhibited that P. betel can be a good lead as anti-cholinesterase agent and could be explored further for its therapeutic potential for the management of Alzheimer's disease (AD). © 2013 Institute of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University.