Ethnobotanical Perspectives on Natural Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: Towards Alternative Approaches to Alzheimer’s Disease

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are essential in managing neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), by preventing acetylcholine breakdown, enhancing memory, and cognition. Traditional medicinal and dietary plants, from Palestinian ethnopharmacology, hold promise due to their bioactive compounds with AChE inhibitory activity, offering alternative or complementary therapies with fewer side effects.

Aim of the study: This review aims to explore the potential of medicinal and dietary plants as natural sources of AChE inhibitors to aid in the management of AD, focusing on plants used in Traditional Arabic Palestinian Herbal Medicine (TAPHM).

Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, spanning from 2014 to 2022. Keywords included “Acetylcholinesterase inhibition,” “Alzheimer’s disease,” and “medicinal plants.” The botanical identification of plants was verified using World Flora Online, and phytochemicals were analyzed for their AChE inhibitory and antioxidant activities.

Results: A total of 361 plant extracts from 180 species and 63 families were identified, with Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, and Polygonaceae showing significant AChE inhibition. Key phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenes, demonstrated multifaceted activities, including neuroprotection, antioxidant properties, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition.

Conclusion: Natural plant extracts, particularly from the Lamiaceae family, exhibit strong potential as AChE inhibitors and antioxidants, supporting their use in AD management. Future clinical trials are necessary to validate their therapeutic efficacy and safety, emphasizing the integration of traditional knowledge with modern pharmacological research