Abstract

Cholinesterase inhibitors are an important therapeutic Alzheimer disease strategy. Consequently, many research groups have focused their studies on finding new target or bioactive molecules for controlling this neurodegenerative disorder. In this regard, prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) has been considered a target on diseases in which cognitive capabilities are affected. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate Berberis microphylla G. Forst. alkaloidal extract, berberine, palmatine and jatrorrhizine inhibitory activity on POP, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) by in silico and in vitro methodologies. It was found that B. microphylla alkaloidal extract was a potent inhibitor of AChE with an IC50 value of 3.62 ?g/mL. To better understand the bioactivity of some alkaloids against AChE, BuChE and POP, a molecular docking approach was performed. The role of B. microphylla as source of AChE, BuChE and POP inhibitors is further discussed in this study. © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.