Potential of Tryptamine Derivatives as Multi-Target Directed Ligands for Alzheimer's Disease: AChE, MAO-B, and COX-2 as Molecular Targets

Extensive research has been dedicated to develop compounds that can target multiple aspects of Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment due to a growing understanding of AD's complex multifaceted nature and various interconnected pathological pathways. In the present study, a series of biological assays were performed to evaluate the potential of the tryptamine analogues synthesized earlier in our lab as multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) for AD. To assess the inhibitory effects of the compounds, various in vitro assays were employed. Three compounds, SR42, SR25, and SR10, displayed significant AChE inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 0.70 µM, 0.17 µM, and 1.00 µM, respectively. These values superseded the standard drug donepezil (1.96 µM). In the MAO-B inhibition assay, SR42 (IC50 = 43.21 µM) demonstrated superior inhibitory effects as compared to tryptamine and other derivatives. Moreover, SR22 (84.08%), SR24 (79.30%), and SR42 (75.16%) exhibited notable percent inhibition against the COX-2 enzyme at a tested concentration of 100 µM. To gain insights into their binding mode and to validate the biological results, molecular docking studies were conducted. Overall, the results suggest that SR42, a 4,5 nitro-benzoyl derivative of tryptamine, exhibited significant potential as a MTDL and warrants further investigation for the development of anti-Alzheimer agents.

Serotonin 5-O-β-Glucoside and Its N-Methylated Forms in Citrus Genus Plants

Citrus genus is characterized by a specific presence of indole metabolites deriving from the N-methylation of tryptamine and its hydroxylated form, 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), which are likely involved in plant defense mechanisms. In this study, we identified for the first time the occurrence in Citrus plants of serotonin 5-O-β-glucoside and all its N-methylated derivatives, that is, N-methylserotonin 5-O-β-glucoside, N,N-dimethylserotonin (bufotenine) 5-O-β-glucoside, and N,N,N-trimethylserotonin (bufotenidine) 5-O-β-glucoside. The identification of the glucosylated compounds was based on mass spectrometric studies, hydrolysis by glucosidase, and in some cases, comparison to authentic compounds. Beside leaves, the distribution of the glucosylated forms and their aglycones in some Citrus species was evaluated in flavedo, albedo, juice, and seeds. The simultaneous presence of serotonin and its N-methylated derivatives, together with the corresponding glucosylated forms, is consistent with the occurrence of a metabolic pathway, specific for Citrus, aimed at potentiating the defensive response to biotic stress through the optimization of the production and use of the most toxic of such metabolites.