GC-MS investigation and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of Galanthus rizehensis.

GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) analyses of alkaloids in the aerial parts and bulbs of Galanthus rizehensis Stern (Amaryllidaceae), collected during two different vegetation periods, was performed. Twenty three alkaloids were identified in four different alkaloid extracts. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities of the alkaloid extracts were tested. Both the highest alkaloid diversity and the most potent inhibitory activity (IC50 12.94 microg/ml) were obtained in extracts from the bulbs of G. rizehensis collected during the fruiting period.