Amazonian plants as a source of biomolecules with inhibitory capacity against key enzymes in neurodegenerative diseases.

The use of plants for therapeutic purposes is an intrinsic practice in indigenous communities in Ecuador, where documented knowledge about pharmacological effects is limited due to the lack of research in this field. The Ecuadorian Amazon, despite being one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, still holds unexplored secrets that could reveal the potential of plants as sources of biomolecules. On a global scale, neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people, and their incidence is projected to double in the coming years. Currently, the treatment for these diseases is based on controlling minor symptoms through medications, which have limited stock and are not free from adverse effects.

In this context, the use of formulations and compounds derived from plants emerges as a viable option against conventional treatments. The search for new compounds derived from medicinal plants in the Ecuadorian Amazon will help explore their therapeutic potential, as well as provide a molecular platform for the development of drugs suitable for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

This approach will provide comprehensive data through biological and biochemical analyses, specifically targeting various neuronal enzymes that represent crucial therapeutic objectives in the search for innovative compounds for use in diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Determine the in vitro inhibitory activity of neuronal enzymes, acetylcholinesterase, monoamine oxidase isoforms A and B, and tyrosinase, key in treatment.

1. Characterize bioactive compounds present in hydroalcoholic extracts of Amazonian plants that show promising inhibitory activity against the enzymes evaluated.
2. Identify the major compounds isolated from extracts demonstrating promising activity in the inhibition of neuronal enzymes.
3. Quantify the secondary metabolites present in extracts that exhibit potent inhibitory activity against the enzymes evaluated.
4. Determine the permeability of compounds and extracts using blood-brain barrier-specific parallel artificial membrane permeability assays (PAMPA-BBB).
5. Disseminate the results obtained, comparing them with the empirical knowledge of the population of Tena and its surrounding areas.