Galanthus nivalis L. (snowdrop)

Abstract Genus Galanthus, belonging to the family Amaryllidaceous, is an important genus in terms of its therapeutic potential. It is associated with different pharmacological activities due to the various phytoconstituents found in the species belonging to this genus. Among various alkaloids, two alkaloids identified initially were galanthine and galantamine, that are used for various therapeutic purposes. Galanthamine (also known as galantamine) can be classified as a specific, competitive, and reversible acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. It also produces modulation of nicotinic receptor (NR) found on neurons allosterically. Galantamine finds use in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in different countries. NR stimulation is another important function shown by galantamine and this action may contribute to the improvement produced by galantamine in cholinergic functions and memory. In this chapter we describe in detail the botanical aspects of the snowdrop, along with its distribution and phytochemistry, with a detailed study of the uses of its main constituent, galantamine, against neurodegenerative diseases.