Scopoletin is an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE).

Scopoletin (SCT) is identified as a putative inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Scopoletin enhances the K+-stimulated release of ACh from rat frontal cortex synaptosomes, showing a bell-shaped dose effect curve (Emax: 4 μM) [1]. Scopoletin inhibits PC3 proliferation by inducing apoptosis of PC3 cells. The IC50 of Scopoletin for inhibiting PC3, PAA (human lung cancer cell), and Hela cell proliferation is (157±25), (154±51), and (294±100) mg/L, respectively. Scopoletin induces a marked time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of PC3 cell proliferation. Scopoletin reduces the protein content and decreases the acid phosphatase activity (ACP) level in PC3 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Cells treated by Scopoletin show typical morphologic changes of apoptosis by light microscope, fluorescence microscope, and transmission electronmicroscope. Apoptosis rate is 0.3 %, 2.1 %, 9.3 % and 35 % for Scopoletin 0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/L, respectively, and cells in G2 phase decrease markedly after being treated with Scopoletin[2].

Scopoletin (2 μg, i.c.v.) increases T-maze alternation and ameliorated novel object recognition of mice with scopolamine-induced cholinergic deficit. It also reduces age-associated deficits in object memory of 15-18-month-old mice (2 mg/kg sc). Mice injected with 2 μg Scopoletin show an increased alternation rate of 71.3±2.5%[1].

[1]. Hornick A, et al. The coumarin Scopoletin potentiates acetylcholine release from synaptosomes, amplifies hippocampal long-term potentiation and ameliorates anticholinergic- and age-impaired memory. Neuroscience. 2011 Dec 1;197:280-92. [2]. Liu XL, et al. Effect of Scopoletin on PC3 cell proliferation and apoptosis. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2001 Oct;22(10):929-33.