Synthesis and acetylcholinesterase inhibition of derivatives of huperzine B

By targeting dual active sites of AChE, a number of new derivatives of HupB have been synthesized and tested as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. The most potent compound, bis-HupB 5b is 72-fold more potent in AChE inhibition and 79-fold more selective for AChE versus BChE than HupB.