Screening of Gracilaria corticata Extracts for Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity Athitya L.V. Siva, Bharath V. Muthu Vijai, Nellore Jayshree*, Prakash P. Department of Biotechnology, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University), Jeppiaar Nagar, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai-600119 *Corresponding Author E-mail: sree_nellore@yahoo.com
Online published on 20 December, 2018. Abstract The breakdown of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) causes loss of acetyl cholinergic phenotypes, leading to altered cognitive functions. Current available AChE inhibitors are reported to be ineffective in treating mild cognitive impairments and associated with higher rates of adverse effects. Therefore, the current study focuses on inhibitors of AChE. In addition, marine algae have been widely used in traditional medicine, as it is a rich source of bioactive molecules. Considering this background, various extracts of Gracilaria corticata were screened for AChE inhibitors using zebrafish as a model system. Our Results have demonstrated that ethyl acetate extract of Gracilaria corticata showed an effective AChE activity. However, further studies on the investigations of active principles from the active fractions of Gracilaria corticata as inhibitors of AChE are now underway in our laboratory. Top Keywords Gracilaria corticata, AChE inhibitors, cognitive functions, bioactive molecules, zebrafish. Top |