• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.86-90
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• 2008

Two decursin derivatives were synthesized from decursinol. Compounds 1 and 2 were determined as 7-{3-[4-(2-Methoxy-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-propoxy}-8,8-dimethyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-pyranochromen-2-one (1) and decursinol 3'-O-E-pmethoxycinnamic acid ester (2), respectively and newly reported. Compounds 1 and 2 significantly inhibited AChE activity and ameliorated memory impairment induced in mice by scopolamine (1.0 mg/kg body weight s.c.) as measured in passive avoidance test. We suggest, therefore, that compounds 1 and 2 has both anti-AChE and anti-amnesic activities that may ultimately hold significant therapeutic value in alleviating certain memory impairment observed in Alzheimer's disease.