Determination of cholinesterase inhibition potentials of some plant extracts

.Acetylcholine (ACh) is an essential neurotransmitter in the body that functions in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) acts as a hydrolase enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. On the other hand, Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE, EC 3.1.1.8) is a non-specific cholinesterase enzyme. Cholinesterase inhibitors suppress enzymes that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine. The primary use of these inhibitors is to treat dementia in Alzheimer's patients. In Alzheimer's disease, ACh levels in the brain decrease and cholinesterase inhibitors contribute to the improvement of the disease by balancing these levels. In this thesis study, we tried to determine the inhibition potential of extracts of some plants (Alcea setosa, Eryngium campestre, Falcaria vulgaris, and Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) on AChE and BChE enzymes. For this purpose, IC50 values were calculated for these extracts that showed inhibition effects on enzyme activities.