Phytochemical Characterization and Evaluation of the Anticholinesterase and Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Potential of Andean Amaryllidaceae from Bolivia: (Pyrolirion boliviense and Stenomesson miniatum)

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Abstract
The Amaryllidaceae family is a rich source of structurally diverse alkaloids with recognized neuroactive and antiparasitic properties. This study provides the first phytochemical and biological characterization of Pyrolirion boliviense and wild Stenomesson miniatum from Bolivia. Alkaloid extracts from bulbs and leaves were analysed by GC–MS and evaluated for acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and Trypanosoma cruzi inhibitory activities. Thirty-two Amaryllidaceae alkaloids were identified, with P. boliviense exhibiting greater alkaloid diversity (25 compounds) and S. miniatum a higher total alkaloid content (227.86 vs. 138.92 μg Gal/100 mg DW). P. boliviense bulb extracts showed the strongest cholinesterase inhibition (AChE IC50 = 6.07 ± 0.47 μg·mL−1; BuChE IC50 = 30.93 ± 1.17 μg·mL−1), whereas S. miniatum extracts displayed weaker AChE inhibition and no detectable BuChE activity. In anti-T. cruzi assays, bulb extracts were the most active, with S. miniatum showing an IC50 of 0.90 ± 0.15 μg·mL−1 (SI = 20.12) and selective anti-amastigote activity (IC50 = 1.42 ± 0.66 μg·mL−1; SI = 12.77). These findings identify Bolivian Andean Amaryllidaceae as promising sources of bioactive alkaloids with potential applications for Alzheimer’s disease and Chagas disease drug discovery.
Funding Information
  • Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (PID2024-161774OB-I00)

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