Tea Toxicity and Cholinesterase Inhibition of Huilliche Herbal Medicine

Eleven species of Huilliche medicinal plants used traditionally against infections and for wound healing were tested for their cholinesterase inhibition activity. Two different teas (a 5-7 min infusion and a 1h decoction, both in water) were tested for the toxicity against Artemia salina. The results from the present study clearly show that teas boiled for 1h is much more toxic than teas infused for 5-7 min. These results support the different traditional use of the two tea types, i.e. 1h tea for external use only. Additionally, significant inhibition of cholinesterase has been observed for MeOH extracts of Acaena argentea, Amomyrtas meli and Pseudopanax laetevirens, with that of A. argentea being most potent. All findings call for further investigations.