Phytochemical and ethnomedicinal study of Huperzia species used in the traditional medicine of Saraguros in Southern Ecuador; AChE and MAO inhibitory activity

摘要

Ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal relevance: This study concerns seven Huperzia species (Lycopodiaceae), namely H. brevifolia, H. columnaris, H. compacta, H. crassa, H. espinosana, H. tetragona, H. weberbaueri, which are considered sacred plants by the Saraguro community, living in the Southern Andes of Ecuador; these plants are widely used in traditional medicine and ritual ceremonies. Material and methods: The plants were selected on the basis of written interviews with 10 visionary healers (yachak) (2 women, 8 men), indicated as the most credible by the Saraguro Healers Council. The Informant Consensus Factor (Fic) was determined. The first phytochemical study of the plants was performed by standard procedures, while the AChE and MAO-A inhibition by fractions enriched in high MW alkaloids, was measured in vitro. Aims of the study: i) to investigate the uses of some Huperzia plants in healing and magical-religious practices of Saraguros; ii) to identify the main components of plant hydromethanolic extracts; iii) to test the effects of alkaloidal fractions on the activity of two enzymes linked to mental health.