Chemical investigation of some species of Amaryllidaceae from the Greater Cape Region of South Africa as a source of bioactive compounds

Abstract

The family Amaryllidaceae is widely distributed in the southern hemisphere. Members of the family are well known for their content of pharmacologically active alkaloids and represent an important epicentre of Amaryllidaceae-alkaloid diversity. Other metabolites from Amaryllidaceae, such as phenolics including flavonoids, lignans, chromones, and acetophenones, in addition to terpenoids and ceramides have been reported. Boophone haemanthoides (BHE), Crossyne flava (CRO), Clivia miniata (CME) and Nerine humilis (NHE) are members of Amaryllidaceae that have shown biological activity. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that progresses with increasing age and some of its major symptoms include tremors, postural and movement related difficulties. To date, the treatment of PD remains a challenge because available drugs only treat the symptoms of the disease or possess serious side effects. In light of this, new treatment options are needed, hence this study investigates the neuroprotective effects of BHE and CRO along with the isolated compounds of BHE and CRO.