ABSTRACT
Galanthus nivalis, snowdrops, are familiar winter-flowering bulbous perennials with small white nodding flowers. In common with several other members of the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae, G. nivalis contains galanthamine, a chemical that increases the level of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a chemical in the nervous system which functions as a neurotransmitter, a ‘chemical messenger’ that enables nerve cells (neurons) to communicate with each other. Alzheimer’s disease, the commonest form of dementia, causes a progressive decline in brain function. The disease is associated with abnormalities of cholinergic signalling pathways as well as death of neurons. Galantamine, as an anticholinesterase, stops acetylcholinesterase from destroying acetylcholine so that levels of acetylcholine in the brain rise and neurotransmission improves. Extracts from many species of plant are being investigated in the search for new, clinically effective inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase. The dried roots have been used in Korean traditional medicine for disorders ranging from constipation and irregular menstruation to joint pains and headache.
