Prolyl Endopeptidase Inhibitory Activity of Ursolic and Oleanolic Acids from Corni Fructus

Prolyl endopeptidase (PEP, EC 3.4.21.26), also referred to as prolyl oligopeptidase, has been suggested to participate in learning and memory processes by cleaving peptide bonds on carboxyl side of prolyl residue within neuropeptides of less than 30 amino acids, and is abundant in brains of amnestic patients. Therefore, compounds possessing PEP inhibitory activity can be good candidate of drug against memory loss. Upon examination for PEP inhibition from traditional medicinal plants having tonic, stimulating, and anti-amnestic effects, Corni Fructus (Cornus officinallis) showed significant PEP inhibition. Ursolic and oleanolic acids, components of Corni Fructus, inhibited PEP with $IC_{50}$ values of $17.2\;{\pm}\;0.5$ and $22.5\;{\pm}\;0.7\;{\mu}M$, respectively.