title: Search for β-Secretase Inhibitors from Natural Spices.
abstract: The growing number of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients prompted us to seek effective natural resources for the prevention of AD. We focused on the inhibition of β-secretase, which is known to catalyze the production of senile plaque. Sixteen spices used in Asian countries were selected for the screening. Among the extracts tested, hexane extracts obtained from turmeric, cardamom, long pepper, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, betel, white turmeric and aromatic ginger showed potent inhibitory activities. Their active principles were identified as sesquiterpenoids, monoterpenoids, fatty acid derivatives and phenylpropanoids using GC-MS analyses. The chemical structures and IC50 values of the compounds are disclosed. The results suggest that long-term consumption'of aromatic compounds from spices could be effective in the prevention of AD.
authors.forename: Shinichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matsumura
authors.forename: Kazuya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Murata
authors.forename: Yuri
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yoshioka
authors.forename: Hideaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Matsuda
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D053829:Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017365:Spices
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D053829:Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases