Anti-cholinesterase profile of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng essential oil and its chemical constituents

• Published in: Journal of essential oil-bearing plants (Dehra Dun) 2024-09, Vol.27 (5), p.1449-1459
• Main Authors: Wee, Ai Sze, Thew, Hin Yee, Liew, Sook Yee, Tan, Wen Nee, Khaw, Kooi Yeong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: acetylcholinesterase; animals; Anti-acetylcholinesterase; Bergera koenigii; cholinesterase inhibitors; colorimetry; Essential oil; essential oils; gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; Hydrodistillation; ingredients; memory; Mono-terpenes; Murraya koenigii; Sesquiterpenes
• ISSN: 0972-060X; 0976-5026; 0976-5026
• DOI: 10.1080/0972060X.2024.2398676

Traditionally, Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng has been used as an ingredient in medicinal formulations. Several studies have reported on the potential of M. koenigii leaves to enhance learning and memory functions in animal models. This study aimed to identify the chemical constituents and evaluate the anti-cholinesterase activity of the essential oil extracted from M. koenigii leaves. The essential oil extracted via hydrodistillation was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 41 constituents were identified, with β-phellandrene (35.42%), β-caryophyllene (16.79%) and α-pinene (17.75%) predominating in the essential oil. Using Ellman's colorimetric method, the M. koenigii essential oil demonstrated potent inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), with an IC 50 value of 36.89 μg/mL. Interestingly, a mixture of the three major constituents (β-phellandrene, β-caryophyllene, and α-pinene) was more effective than the individual constituents (β-caryophyllene and α-pinene). In conclusion, the study on the neuroprotective effects of M. koenigii essential oil has yielded promising results.