Synthesis and activities of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitors can be divided into two categories: acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors and butylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitors. Therefore, the development of selective inhibition of AChE and BuChE activities is the central content of ChE pharmacochemistry research. In order to clarify the progress of AChE inhibitor-based design, synthesis, and activity studies, we reviewed the pharmacochemical and pharmacological properties of selective AChE inhibitors over the past decade. We hope that this review will make it easier for readers to understand the development of new drug chemistry methods for AChE inhibitors in order to develop more effective and selective AChE inhibitors.