R. Spina, E. Lozano, P. Barrera
Jul 1, 2018
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Influential Citations
6
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Journal
Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
Abstract
BACKGROUND Embelin (EMB), obtained from Oxalis erythrorhiza Gillies ex Hooker et Arnott (Oxalidaceae), was reported against Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. Additionally, antiprotozoan activity against Plasmodium falciparum was reported for its methylated derivative (ME). PURPOSE To evaluate the potential anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of EMB, ME and 2,5-di-O-methylembelin (DME) and analyze the possible mechanism of action. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS EMB was isolated by a chromatographic method from the air-dried ground whole plant. To evaluate the effects of methylation, ME and DME were synthesized and tested against T. cruzi epimastigotes and trypomastigotes. The most active compound ME was evaluated against amastigotes. Ultrastructural alterations, ROS generation and the effect on mitochondrial activity of ME were measured. RESULTS Compounds inhibited the proliferation of epimastigotes. ME was also active against intracellular amastigotes. Mitochondrial alterations were observed by TEM. Additionally, ME modified the mitochondrial activity, and induced an increase in ROS levels. These evidences postulate the mitochondrion as a possible target of ME. CONCLUSION ME inhibited amastigotes proliferation, thus being a potential lead compound for the treatment of Chagas' disease.