Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects of the bulb of Ammocharis coranica (Amaryllidaceae) and its active constituent lycorine

► The acetylcholinesterase activity of Ammocharis coranica was investigated for the first time. ► The alkaloid rich butanol fraction had 30 times higher activity than physostigmine. ► Lycorine was identified as the major active compound. ► Results support the use of A. coranica in traditional medicine for treatment of mental illnesses.