Neurodegenerative diseases refer to physiological changes leading to death of nerve cells present in the brain and spinal cord. Current treatment for this disease is not effective and caused many side effects. Thus, the search for alternative medicines is in high demand. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-cholinesterase properties of Phaleria macrocarpa (leaf). Bioactive compounds from Phaleria macrocarpa leaf were extracted with 80% methanol, toxicity studies were carried out in adult and anti-cholinesterase activities was carried out in Javanese medaka (Oryzias javanicus). Phytochemical study to identify the bioactive constituent of the crude extract was also carried out using High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The result revealed activities with high significant differences at P<0.001) between the treated and non-treated groups. Bioactive compounds (vitaxin and isovitaxin) were identified by HPLC method. Identification of bioactive compounds vitaxin and isovitaxin may be among the major secondary metabolite that contributed to increase activities of this plant extract. High anti-cholinesterase activities and low toxicity effect of this plant revealed its benefit to be used as natural medicinal supplements.

Keywords: Antioxidant, Cholinesterase, Phaleria macrocarpa,Javanese medaka, Neuroprotective, Toxicity