Molluscicidal properties of some species of Annona

Araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.): A critical review for the food industry

This review aimed to critically and comparatively analyze the physicochemical, proximate, nutritional, phytochemical composition, and bioactivities of araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.) (AAc), a fruit from the Brazilian Cerrado. Additionally, the potential applications of this fruit in the food industry were reviewed. Data and information were collected from the Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. AAc, a fruit mainly studied in the Brazilian regions of Minas Gerais and Goiás, has well-documented physicochemical, proximate, and nutritional characteristics. It is rich in fiber, sugars, vitamins A and C, minerals, and oil, making it attractive to the food industry. However, there are research gaps, such as the impact of climatic conditions on the AAc chemical composition. Additional studies are needed, especially for the peel and seeds, and investigations of pre-treatments effect on the chemical composition are recommended. The application of AAc in food products is mainly limited to pulp, but there is potential for using peels and seeds. AAc is a rich source of phytochemical compounds with various biological properties, such as antioxidants, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial activities. Future studies should explore other phytochemicals present in the fruit beyond phenolic compounds. The consumption of AAc can contribute to combating food insecurity malnutrition, and promoting the conservation of the Brazilian Cerrado.

A Proteomic Study of the Bioactivity of Annona muricata Leaf Extracts in HT-1080 Fibrosarcoma Cells

Graviola (Annona muricata) is a tropical plant with many traditional ethnobotanic uses and pharmacologic applications. A metabolomic study of both aqueous and DMSO extracts from Annona muricata leaves recently allowed us to identify dozens of bioactive compounds. In the present study, we use a proteomic approach to detect altered patterns in proteins on both conditioned media and extracts of HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells under treatment conditions, revealing new potential bioactivities of Annona muricata extracts. Our results reveal the complete sets of deregulated proteins after treatment with aqueous and DMSO extracts from Annona muricata leaves. Functional enrichment analysis of proteomic data suggests deregulation of cell cycle and iron metabolism, which are experimentally validated in vitro. Additional experimental data reveal that DMSO extracts protect HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells and HMEC-1 endothelial cells from ferroptosis. Data from our proteomic study are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD042354.

Biomphalaria embryotoxicity test (BET): 60 years of research crossing boundaries for developing standard protocols

Snail's embryotoxicity test is a suitable approach for toxicity assay of traditional and emerging pollutants, environmental risk assessment, as well as screening and development of new molluscicides. Among the snail species, Biomphalaria spp. has been indicated as a promising model system for developing standardized test protocols for assessing the chemical toxicity using early developmental stages. Thus, the current study aimed to review the data available in the scientific literature concerning the experimental approach, type of chemicals and the response of multiple biomarkers (survival, hatching rate, development delays, morphological and behavior changes) in snail embryos applied in toxicity tests. Revised data showed that the use of Biomphalaria embryos to assess chemical toxicity began in 1962. Snail's embryotoxicity test was applied mainly for analyzing the toxicity and development of new molluscicides, while its use in ecotoxicological studies is emerging. Biomphalaria glabrata was the main species analyzed. Embryos exposed to chemicals showed bioaccumulation, mortality, hatching inhibition, development delays, and morphological malformations, which were classified into four categories (hydropic, shell, cephalic and unspecified malformations). Besides, research gaps and recommendations for future research are indicated. Overall, the results showed that the Biomphalaria embryotoxicity test (BET) is a suitable tool for toxicity and health risk assessment.

Non-targeted metabolomics characterization of Annona muricata leaf extracts with anti-angiogenic activity

The tropical plant Annona muricata has been widely used for traditional ethnobotanic and pharmacologic applications. Extracts from different parts of this plant have been shown to have a wide range of biological activities. In the present study, we carry out a metabolomic study of both aqueous and DMSO extracts from Annona muricata leaves that has allowed us to identify 33 bioactive compounds. Furthermore, we have shown that aqueous extracts are able to inhibit endothelial cell migration and both aqueous and DMSO extracts inhibit the formation of tubule-like structures by endothelial cells cultured on Matrigel. We conclude that extracts of Annona muricata leaves have great potential as anti-angiogenic natural combinations of bioactive compounds.

Screening of antidiabetic and antioxidant potential along with phytochemicals of Annona genus: a review

Background

Annona species can be found in the subtropical and tropical parts of the world. Because of their medicinal capabilities and highly exotic edible fruits, they are one of the most important members of the Annonaceae family. Isoquinolines, pyrimidine-β-carboline alkaloids, lectins, acetogenins, and volatile oils are among the active metabolites found in this genus, all of which have been shown to have anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities.

Main body

The fundamental objective of this review was to summarize the antidiabetic and antioxidant activity based on reported secondary data from different plants of the genus Annona. These species include Annona cherimola, Annona squamosa, Annona macroprophyllata, Annona muricate, Annona reticulata, Annona carcans, Annona coriacea, Annona cornifolia, and Annona senegalensis. The Annona species investigated had significant antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties.

Conclusion

The available evidence, both in vitro and in vivo, confirms the ability of Annona species to treat diabetes in addition to producing oxidative damage.

Antioxidant, antiproliferative and healing properties of araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.) peel and seed

Araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.) is a native fruit from Brazilian Cerrado widely used by folk medicine. Nevertheless, the biological effects of its seeds and peel have not been extensively evaluated. We evaluate herein the antioxidant, antiproliferative and healing potential of araticum peel and seeds extracts. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis showed flavonoids, namely epicatechin and quercetin, as the main compounds in peel and seeds extracts, respectively. These extracts showed high content of phenolic compounds (7254.46 and 97.74 µg/g extract) and, as consequence, high antioxidant capacity. Interesting, the seeds extract was more effective than peel extract against all tested cancer cells, especially on NCI-ADR/RES (multidrug resistant ovary adenocarcinoma) cell line. In the cell migration assay by using HaCaT (keratinocyte), the seeds extract induced migration, while the peel extract showed an inhibitory effect. In this way, phenolic content could be related to antioxidant capacity, but it was not related to antiproliferative and healing effect. The araticum seeds extract showed an interesting response to in vitro biological assay although of its low content of phenolic compounds. Unidentified compounds, such as alkaloids and annonaceous acetogenins could be related to it. Araticum has potential to be used as therapeutic plant especially as antiproliferative and healing drug.

Araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.) as a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds for food and non-food purposes: A comprehensive review

Araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.) is a fruitful tree native to the Brazilian Cerrado biome that holds high nutritional, functional and economic potential. This plant has been used since ancient times by folk medicine for the treatment of several pathological conditions. There has been increasing interest in the development of pulp-based food products as well as the by-products utilization to obtain value-added ingredients. Understanding the chemical composition and biological activities of different botanical parts of Annona crassiflora Mart. provides a basis to support future researches and applications. In this context, this paper carries out an exhaustive review of the scientific literature, on the main phytochemicals of different botanical parts of Annona crassiflora Mart. (fruit, leaves, stem and root) and their biological activities, assessing their potential uses for several industrial segments. Annona crassiflora Mart. fruits and especially their by-products (peel and seeds) and leaves have been shown a wide range of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, annonaceous acetogenins, tocols, carotenoids, phytosterols, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and essential oils. These compounds contribute to various biological activities, including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, analgesic, antidiabetic, skin healing, antidiarrhoeic, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, insecticide and herbicide activities of Annona crassiflora Mart. extracts. Therefore, these findings demonstrate that Annona crassiflora Mart. fruit, by-products and leaves can be excellent candidates to be used as functional foods and/or sources for obtaining bioactive compounds for the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications.

Potential therapeutic applications of the genus Annona: Local and traditional uses and pharmacology

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Annona species (Annonaceae) have long been used as traditional herbal medicines by native peoples in tropical areas. In different countries they are used against a large variety of illnesses, such as parasitic and infectious diseases, cancer, diabetes, peptic ulcers, and mental disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aims to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the research conducted so far on the local and traditional uses, pharmacological activities, mechanism of actions of active compounds, toxicity, and possible interactions with other drugs of the Annona species. Through analysis of these findings, evidences supporting their applications in ethno-medicines are described. We discuss the possible research opportunities and stand out the weak points in our knowledge that deserves further investigation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Information on ethno-medicinal uses and pharmacological activities of the Annona genus was collected. The main scientific biomedical literature databases (Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs, SeCiMed, Elsevier, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, SciFinder) were consulted. The search covered all the literature available until September 2017. National and regional databases of Herbal Medicine and Complementary and Alternative Medicine were also revised in order to explore further data. For a better understanding of the therapeutic importance of these species, we have classified the pharmacological activities within each group of disorders. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD), used from WHO Member States, was chosen as the reference classification.

RESULTS

From among the 27 species revised, four species are highlighted for their important pharmacological activities in most of the groups of illnesses: A. muricata, A. squamosa, A. senegalensis, and A. cherimola. Many investigations have been performed with extracts from the leaves, bark, fruit and seeds and have shown a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as antiprotozoal, antitumoural, antidiabetic, hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic activities. The chemistry on the annonaceous acetogenins (ACGs) has been extensively investigated due to their potent antitumoural activity. Many of the assays were carried out with the isolated acetogenins in different lines of tumour culture cells and were found effective at very low doses even in multidrug-resistant tumours, and hence constitute promising compounds in the treatment of different types of cancers. No studies were found with extracts rich in acetogenins in the clinical field.

CONCLUSIONS

The experimental results from the pharmacological research enable the validation of their traditional uses in several of the groups of diseases in the countries of origin and reveal these plants to be a valuable source for therapeutic molecules. However, more toxicity assays and clinical trials would be necessary to establish optimal and safe doses of consumption on the application of these medicinal plants.

A Review on Annona squamosa L.: Phytochemicals and Biological Activities

Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) is a fruit tree with a long history of traditional uses. A. squamosa is an evergreen plant mainly located in tropical and subtropical regions. Srikayas, the fruits of A. squamosa, are extensively used to prepare candies, ice creams and beverages. A wide range of ethno-medicinal uses has been related to different portions of A. squamosa, such as tonic, apophlegmatisant, cool medicine, abortient and heart sedative. Numerous research projects on A. squamosa have found that it has anticancer, anti-oxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, antiparasitic, antimalarial, insecticidal, microbicidel and molluscicidal activities. Phytochemistry investigations on A. squamosa have considered annonaceous acetogenins (ACGs), diterpenes (DITs), alkaloids (ALKs) and cyclopeptides (CPs) as the main constituents. Until 2016, 33 DITs, 19 ALKs, 88 ACGs and 13 CPs from this species were reported. On the basis of the multiple researches on A. squamosa, this review strives to integrate available information on its phytochemicals, folklore uses and bioactivities, hoping to promote a better understanding of its medicinal values.

Hepatoprotective Properties of a Polyphenol-Enriched Fraction from Annona crassiflora Mart. Fruit Peel against Diabetes-Induced Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress

A polyphenol-enriched fraction from Annona crassiflora fruit peel (Ac-Pef) containing chlorogenic acid, (epi)catechin, procyanidin B2, and caffeoyl-glucoside was investigated against hepatic oxidative and nitrosative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Serum biochemical parameters, hepatic oxidative and nitrosative status, glutathione defense system analysis, and in silico assessment of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) of the main compounds of Ac-Pef were carried out. Ac-Pef treatment during 30 days decreased serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities, as well as hepatic lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation and nitration, inducible nitric oxide synthase level, and activities and expressions of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. There were increases in antioxidant capacity, glutathione reductase activity, and reduced glutathione level. ADMET predictions of Ac-Pef compounds showed favorable absorption and distribution, with no hepatotoxicity. A. crassiflora fruit peel showed hepatoprotective properties, indicating a promising natural source of bioactive molecules for prevention and therapy of diabetes complications.

Toxicity of squamocin on Aedes aegypti larvae, its predators and human cells

BACKGROUND

The mosquito Aedes aegypti transmits a virus that causes diverse human diseases, and control of the vector is an important strategy to avoid disease propagation. Plants in the family Annonaceae are recognised as sources of molecules with uses in the medical and agriculture fields. Molecules of secondary metabolites of Annonaceae plants exhibit insecticidal potential against insect pests and vectors, especially acetogenins, showing high toxicity at low doses, which has encouraged research into producing new insecticide molecules. Herein, we identify an acetogenin from Annona mucosa seeds (chemical analysis) and provide the results of toxicity tests against larvae of A. aegypti (target insect) and its predators Culex bigoti and Toxorhynchites theobaldi (non-target insects) and cytotoxicity to human leukocytes.

RESULTS

We identified squamocin (C₃₇ H₆₆ O₇ ), a fatty acid with a bis-tetrahydrofuran ring. In A. aegypti, this compound caused behavioural disturbance before larval death and high mortality at low concentrations (LC₅₀ = 0.01 µg mL^-1 and LC₉₀ = 0.11 µg mL^-1 ). However, in predators and human leukocytes, squamocin showed no toxicity effect, indicating the selectivity of this molecule for non-target organisms.

CONCLUSION

We identified squamocin from A. mucosa seeds, which exhibited lethal action against A. aegypti and showed selectivity for non-target insects and low cytotoxicity to human cells. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Contents of constituents and antioxidant activity of seed and pulp extracts of Annona coriacea and Annona sylvatica

AbstractThe antioxidant potential of fruit pulp and seeds of extracts of the Annona coriacea, and A. sylvatica(Annonaceae) were investigated, as well contents total phenolics, flavonoids, condensed tannins and ascorbic acid. Was used to determine the antioxidant activity the 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH), β-carotene bleaching and ABTS radical cation method. The total phenol, total flavonoid, condensed tannin, and ascorbic acid contents were measured spectrophotometrically. In this study, the pulp and seeds of the fruits were extracted using methanol/water (8:2) for maceration. The seed extracts of A. coriacea demonstrated a moderate antioxidant effect with free radical scavenging activity of 31.53%, by the DPPH test, 51.59% by the β-carotene bleaching test and 159.50 µM trolx/g of extract in the ABTS assay. We found that the hydromethanolic seed extract of A. coriacea had high total phenol (147.08 ± 4.20 mg of GAE/g of extract) and flavonoid (131.18 ± 2.31 mg of QE/g of extract) content. This indicated that the antioxidant activity of the extracts was related to the contents of these constituents.

Annona muricata (Annonaceae): A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Isolated Acetogenins and Biological Activities

Annona muricata is a member of the Annonaceae family and is a fruit tree with a long history of traditional use. A. muricata, also known as soursop, graviola and guanabana, is an evergreen plant that is mostly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The fruits of A. muricata are extensively used to prepare syrups, candies, beverages, ice creams and shakes. A wide array of ethnomedicinal activities is contributed to different parts of A. muricata, and indigenous communities in Africa and South America extensively use this plant in their folk medicine. Numerous investigations have substantiated these activities, including anticancer, anticonvulsant, anti-arthritic, antiparasitic, antimalarial, hepatoprotective and antidiabetic activities. Phytochemical studies reveal that annonaceous acetogenins are the major constituents of A. muricata. More than 100 annonaceous acetogenins have been isolated from leaves, barks, seeds, roots and fruits of A. muricata. In view of the immense studies on A. muricata, this review strives to unite available information regarding its phytochemistry, traditional uses and biological activities.

Analysis of the anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive potential and description of the antimutagenic mode of action of the Annona crassiflora methanolic extract

CONTEXT

Annona crassiflora Mart. (Annonaceae) is a medicinal plant that is widely used in folk medicine, which leads to its investigation as a potential source of new pharmacological principles.

OBJECTIVE

This study describes the anti-inflammatory, antiallodynic, and antimutagenic/chemopreventive activities of the leaves A. crassiflora methanolic extract. Its antimutagenic mode of action was analyzed in a plant or animal experimental model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total flavonoids were quantified by spectrophotometry at 415 nm and its composition was analyzed by (1)H NMR spectra. Animals received orally, 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg of extract in both tests, carrageenan-induced paw edema and myeloperoxidase activity. Animals were treated with 100 and 300 mg/kg, in all the analyzed tests, pleural cell migration and protein exudation, carrageenan-induced cell migration into the pouch, induction of joint inflammation and carrageenan-induced allodynia response in the mouse paw. To evaluate the antimutagenic/chemopreventive activity through the Allium cepa test, we used 5, 10, and 15 mg/L of extract, and for the micronucleus test in the peripheral blood, we used the dose of 15 mg/kg.

RESULTS

The fractionation of the ethyl acetate (EA) fraction, resulting from the partition of the methanol extract of the A. crassiflora, afforded through chromatographic methods resulted in the isolation of kaempferol 3-O-β-glucoside and kaempferol 3-O-β-diglucoside. Oral treatment with 100 and 300 mg/kg of extract significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induced edema formation, with inhibitions of 53 ± 7% and 47 ± 10%; in MPO activity, the observed inhibitions were 60 ± 7% for 100 mg/kg treatment and 63 ± 7% for 300 mg/kg. The ACME reduced significantly the total leukocytes (an inhibition of 78 ± 9% with 100 mg/kg and 90 ± 7% with 300 mg/kg) and protein levels (approximately 100% inhibition with both doses) in the pleurisy model. In carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration into the pouch, the extract inhibited leukocyte migration only when administered 300 mg/kg per dose (the reduction was 43 ± 5%). Pretreatment with extract failed to reduce the zymosan-induced edema formation and did not inhibit the carrageenan-induced mechanical allodynia. Damage reduction in Allium cepa tested with different concentrations (5, 10, and 15 mg/L) was 66.17, 75.75, and 69.19% for the pre-treatment; 72.72, 33.33, and 22.22% for the simple simultaneous treatment; 100.50, 93.93, and 102.52% for the simultaneous treatment with pre-incubation; 89.39, 79.79, and 84.34%; for the post-treatment, and 86.36, 81.31, and 93.43% for the continuous treatment. The antimutagenic evaluation in the micronucleous test showed a damage reduction of 75.00 and 64.58% for the pre-treatment and simultaneous protocols, respectively. The post-treatment protocol increased the cyclophosphamide effects in 45.83%.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that this medicinal plant has chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential.

Bio-guided optimization of the ultrasound-assisted extraction of compounds from Annona glabra L. leaves using the etiolated wheat coleoptile bioassay

A bio-guided optimization of the extraction of bioactive components from Annona glabra leaves has been developed using the etiolated wheat coleoptile bioassay as the control method. The optimization of an ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds using allelopathy results as target values has been carried out for the first time. A two-level fractional factorial experimental design was applied to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction. The solvent was the extraction variable that had the most marked effect on the resulting bioactivity of the extracts in the etiolated wheat coleoptile bioassay. Extraction time, extraction temperature and the size of the ultrasonic probe also influenced the bioactivity of the extracts. A larger scale extraction was carried out in the next step in the allelopathic study, i.e., the isolation of compounds from the bioactive extract and chemical characterization by spectroscopic techniques, including NMR. Eight compounds were isolated and identified from the active extracts, namely two steroids (β-sistosterol and stigmasterol), five diterpenes with the kaurane skeleton (ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid, ent-19-methoxy-19-oxokauran-17-oic acid, annoglabasin B, ent-17-hydroxykaur-15-en-19-oic acid and ent-15β,16β-epoxy-17-hydroxy-kauran-19-oic acid) and the acetogenin asimicin. The most active compound was annoglabasin B, which showed inhibition with values of -95% at 10(-3) M, -87% at 5×10(-4) M and greater than -70% at 10(-4) M in the etiolated wheat coleoptile bioassay.

A penta-substituted pyridine alkaloid from the rhizome of Jatropha elliptica (Pohl) Muell. Arg. is active against Schistosoma mansoni and Biomphalaria glabrata

Jatropha elliptica is a shrub distributed throughout the north and west of Brazil and reputedly possesses a wide range of therapeutical properties. The roots of this plant possess molluscicidal activity and contain terpenoids, coumarin, lignoid, steroids and alkaloid. In the present study, we assessed the schistosomicidal, miracicidal and cercaricidal activities (against Schistosoma mansoni) and molluscicidal activities (against adults and egg masses of Biomphalaria glabrata) of the alkaloid diethyl 4-phenyl-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate, isolated from the ethanol extract of the rhizome of J. elliptica, have been determined. The alkaloid was 100 % lethal to adult schistosomes within 4 days at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. Alterations were observed in the schistosome tegument occasioned by treatment with the alkaloid, such as formation of vesicles and vacuolisation. The extent of tegumental damage of the worm was proportional to the time of incubation and to the concentration of compound. The alkaloid also exhibited a potent cercaricidal activity (LC₁₀₀ = 2 μg/mL); it was totally ineffective against miracicidal forms of the parasite. Moreover, the alkaloid presented strong activity against adult snails (LC₉₀ = 36.43 μg/mL) but was inactive against their egg masses. It is observed then the potential of this compound for the development of new therapies for the treatment of schistosomiasis.

Chemopreventive potential of Annona muricata L leaves on chemically-induced skin papillomagenesis in mice

Annona muricata L (Annonaceae), commonly known as soursop has a long, rich history in herbal medicine with a lengthy recorded indigenous use. It had also been found to be a promising new anti-tumor agent in numerous in vitro studies. The present investigation concerns chemopreventive effects in a two-stage model of skin papillomagenesis. Chemopreventive effects of an ethanolic extract of A. muricata leaves (AMLE) was evaluated in 6-7 week old ICR mice given a single topical application of 7,12-dimethylbenza(α)anthracene (DMBA 100 μg/100 μl acetone) and promotion by repeated application of croton oil (1% in acetone/ twice a week) for 10 weeks. Morphological tumor incidence, burden and volume were measured, with histological evaluation of skin tissue. Topical application of AMLE at 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg significantly reduced DMBA/croton oil induced mice skin papillomagenesis in (i) peri-initiation protocol (AMLE from 7 days prior to 7 days after DMBA), (ii) promotion protocol (AMLE 30 minutes after croton oil), or (iii) both peri-initiation and promotion protocol (AMLE 7 days prior to 7 day after DMBA and AMLE 30 minutes after croton oil throughout the experimental period), in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05) as compared to carcinogen-treated control. Furthermore, the average latent period was significantly increased in the AMLE-treated group. Interestingly, At 100 and 300 mg/ kg, AMLE completely inhibited the tumor development in all stages. Histopathological study revealed that tumor growth from the AMLE-treated groups showed only slight hyperplasia and absence of keratin pearls and rete ridges. The results, thus suggest that the A.muricata leaves extract was able to suppress tumor initiation as well as tumor promotion even at lower dosage.

Potent antiplasmodial extracts from Cameroonian Annonaceae

AIM OF THE STUDY

In a search for new antimalarial leads, we have carried out a preliminary ethnopharmacological study with the aim of evaluating the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of extracts from thirteen Annonaceae species growing in Cameroon, and of assessing the acute toxicity of promising fractions in Swiss albino mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plants were selected on the basis of an ethnobotanical survey carried out in four sites in centre and south regions of Cameroon (Yaoundé neighbourhoods, Kon-Yambetta, Ngobayang and Mbalmayo) on Annonaceae plants locally used to treat malaria and related symptoms. The choice of the sites was mainly based on environmental factors enabling mosquito breeding, cosmopolitan areas regrouping people from different cultural origins, areas with limited access to health centers, and areas with people relying exclusively on traditional medical practices. Collected materials were extracted by maceration in 95% ethanol. The crude extract was partitioned using organic solvents and the fractions afforded were evaluated for antiplasmodial activity in culture against the W2 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Promising fractions (methanol fractions) were assessed for their acute toxicity in Swiss albino mice.

RESULTS

From the results achieved, 37 (31.3%) out of 118 extracts tested exhibited antiplasmodial activity, with IC(50) values ranging from 1.07 μg/ml to 9.03 μg/ml. Of the active extracts, 29 (78.4%) were methanol fractions, 21 (72.4%) of which inhibited the parasites with IC(50)<5 μg/ml. The promising fractions proved to be safe through oral administration in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The activities and toxicity profiles of methanol fractions indicate that they deserve to be further investigated in detail for antimalarial lead discovery.

Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of medicinal plants of the Brazilian cerrado, using Brazilian cachaça as extractor liquid

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

Many species of plants in the Brazilian cerrado (savanna) are widely used in ethnomedicine. However, the safety and effectiveness of medicinal plants used in communities with little or no access to manufactured drugs should be evaluated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Evaluate the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of extracts from eight plant species, obtained using Brazilian cachaça as the extractor liquid.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The extracts were tested against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis, and poliovirus. In addition, cytotoxic activity was assayed in Vero cells and in human erythrocytes.

RESULTS

The plant species Curatella americana, Sclerolobium aureum, and Plathymenia reticulata showed the best activity against yeasts, especially the crude extract of C. americana and its ethyl-acetate fraction. Kielmeyera lathrophyton showed a minimum inhibitory concentration of 250 μg/ml against S. aureus, and was inactive against gram-negative bacteria. The extract obtained from Annona coriacea showed the best activity against the promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis (IC(50)=175 μg/ml). Only C. americana showed potential for antipoliovirus activity. The concentrations of the crude extracts that showed toxicity to VERO cells had CC(50) between 31 and 470 μg/ml, and the lyophilized Brazilian cachaça showed a CC(50) of 307 μg/ml. None of the extracts showed toxicity against human erythrocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the plant species studied, C. americana proved to be effective against microorganisms, especially as an antifungal. The results will help in the search for alternative drugs to be used in pharmacotherapy, and will contribute to establish safe and effective use of phytomedicines in the treatment of infectious diseases.

A potential of some medicinal plants as an antiulcer agents

Peptic ulcers are a broad term that includes ulcers of digestive tract in the stomach or the duodenum. The formation of peptic ulcers depends on the presence of acid and peptic activity in gastric juice plus a breakdown in mucosal defenses. There are two major factors that can disrupt the mucosal resistance to injury: non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) example, aspirin and Helicobacter pylori infection. Numerous natural products have been evaluated as therapeutics for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including peptic ulcer. There has been considerable pharmacological investigation into the antiulcer activity of some compounds. In this work, we shall review the literature on different medicinal plant and alkaloids with antiulcer activity. This article reviews the antiacid/anti-peptic, gastroprotective and/or antiulcer properties of the most commonly employed herbal medicines and their identified active constituents. The experimental parameters used for antiulcer activity were cold restraint stress-induced ulcer model, Diclofenac-induced ulcer model in rats, (HCl-ethanol)-induced ulcer in mice and water immersion stress-induced ulcer in rats. The ideal aims of treatment of peptic ulcer disease are to relieve pain, heal the ulcer and delay ulcer recurrence. About 70% of patients with peptic ulcer disease are infected by Helicobacter pylori and eradication of this microorganism seems to be curative for this disease. This article reviews drugs derived from medicinal plant more commonly used in the world for peptic ulcer and, if reported, the antiulcer activity. This article will be concerned only with the antiulcer and gastro-protective effects.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanol extract of Annona muricata L. leaves in animal models

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanol extract from Annona muricata L. leaves were investigated in animal models. The extract delivered per oral route (p.o.) reduced the number of abdominal contortions by 14.42% (at a dose of 200 mg/kg) and 41.41% (400 mg/kg). Doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg (p.o) inhibited both phases of the time paw licking: first phase (23.67% and 45.02%) and the second phase (30.09% and 50.02%), respectively. The extract (p.o.) increased the reaction time on a hot plate at doses of 200 (30.77% and 37.04%) and 400 mg/kg (82.61% and 96.30%) after 60 and 90 minutes of treatment, respectively. The paw edema was reduced by the ethanol extract (p.o.) at doses of 200 (23.16% and 29.33%) and 400 mg/kg (29.50% and 37.33%) after 3 to 4 h of application of carrageenan, respectively. Doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg (p.o.), administered 4 h before the carrageenan injection, reduced the exudate volume (29.25 and 45.74%) and leukocyte migration (18.19 and 27.95%) significantly. These results suggest that A. muricata can be an active source of substances with antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.

Activities of naphthoquinones against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) (Diptera: Culicidae), vector of dengue and Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818), intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni

Larvicidal (against Aedes aegypti Linnaeus, 1762) and molluscicidal (against Biomphalaria glabrata Say, 1818) activities of several natural and synthetic naphthoquinones were measured, with significant results. The best larvicidal compound is 3-bromojuglone, while the better molluscicides are 2-bromo- and 3-bromo-5-acetoxy-1,4-naphthoquinones together with the 3-bromo-5-methoxy derivative. The present results reinforce the potential use of substituted hydroxyquinones, their salts and halogenated quinones as very promising compounds against 4th instar larves of Aedes aegypti, the vector of dengue and against adult snail of Biomphalaria glabrata.

Laboratory assessment of molluscicidal activity of crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Dalbergia sissoo plant parts against Biomphalaria pfeifferi

BACKGROUND

In the continued search for molluscicidal compounds from plants, crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts from different parts of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. 1832, were evaluated against egg masses and adults of Biomphalaria pfeifferi (Krauss, 1848), the snail intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon, 1907) in Nigeria.

METHODS

Laboratory-bred adult B. pfeifferi and their viable 0-24 h old egg masses were separately exposed to five different concentrations (7.81-2000 mg l(-1)) each, of the crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the fruits, leaves, roots and stem bark of D. sissoo, for 24 h. The LC50 and LC90 values of each extract for the target organisms were calculated using probit analysis.

RESULTS

Only the ethanolic extracts of the fruits and roots showed significant activities against the adult snails (24 h LC90<100 mg l(-1): 74.33 and 93.93 mg l(-1), respectively) and their egg masses (LC90: 89.29 and 114.29 mg l(-1), respectively) while all other extracts demonstrated weak molluscicidal and ovicidal activities (24 h LC90 > 100 mg l(-1)). There were concentration-dependent behavioural changes in snails exposed to test extracts, while egg mortalities, manifested at the gastrula/exogastrula stage and or the prehatch snail stage of development, were similarly concentration-dependent.

CONCLUSIONS

The crude ethanolic extracts of D. sissoo fruits and roots exhibited promising molluscicidal activities (LC90 values<100 mg l(-1)) against adult B. pfeifferi with additional toxicities towards its 0-24 h-old egg masses.

Antiprotozoal and cytotoxic activities in vitro of Colombian Annonaceae

Ethnobotanical and chemotaxonomical studies for antiparasitic activity of Colombian Annonaceae were carried out. In vitro antiprotozoal activity of 36 extracts obtained from six different species was determined against promastigotes of three Leishmania species, epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi and both chloroquine sensitive (F32) and resistant (W2) Plasmodium falciparum. Cytotoxic activity was evaluated in U-937 cells. Active extracts were selected according their selectivity index (SI). Extracts from Annona muricata, Rollinia exsucca, Rollinia pittieri and Xylopia aromatica were active against Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi showing IC50 values lower than 25 microg/ml. Hexane extract from Rollinia pittieri leaves was the most selective against Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. (IS=10 and 16, respectively). The extracts from Desmopsis panamensis, Pseudomalmea boyacana, Rollinia exsucca and Rollinia pittieri showed good antiplasmodial activity (IC50 < 10 microg/ml). No correlation between antiplasmodial activity and inhibition of beta-hematin production was found. The present study gives specific and useful information about antiprotozoal and cytotoxic activities of some Annonaceae extracts. Results presented here also demonstrate which plants and/or plant parts could be useful in the treatment of leishmaniasis, Chagas' disease and malaria.

In vitro antiplasmodial activity of Brazilian Cerrado plants used as traditional remedies

Twenty-seven species of native Brazilian Cerrado plants commonly used by traditional healers to treat malaria and other diseases were collected and 204 hexanic and ethanolic extracts were obtained by maceration. The antiplasmodial activity of the extracts was tested in vitro against a chloroquine resistant strain (FcB1) of Plasmodium falciparum, and cytotoxicity against the cell lines L-6 of rats and MRC-5 of human was evaluated. Thirty-two extracts showed significant inhibition rates of Plasmodium falciparum growth and of these six showed cytotoxicity against the cell lines. The strongest antiplasmodial activity was found for the hexanic extracts of Xylopia aromatica root wood (IC(50)=4.7 microg/ml), Xylopia emarginata root bark (IC(50)=4.9 microg/ml), Casearia sylvestris var. lingua leaves, stem wood and stem bark, and root wood and root bark (IC(50) values from 0.9 to 2.3 microg/ml), and Cupania vernalis leaves (IC(50)=0.9 microg/ml); and for the ethanolic extract of Aspidosperma macrocarpon root bark (IC(50)=4.9 microg/ml). However, the best selectivity towards Plasmodium falciparum was observed for the hexanic root bark extract of Matayba guianensis (IC(50) on Plasmodium falciparum=6.1 microg/ml, SI=16.4 for MRC-5) and the ethanolic root bark extract of Aspidosperma macrocarpon (IC(50) on Plasmodium falciparum=4.9 micro/ml, SI=16.2 for MRC-5).

Acetogenins in Annona muricata L. (annonaceae) leaves are potent molluscicides

An ethanolic extract of the leaves of Annona muricata was shown to be toxic to adult forms of the snail Biomphalaria glabrata (LC50 9.32 microg mL(-1)) and to larvae of the brine shrimp Artemia salina (LC50 0.49 microg mL(-1)). Activity-guided fractionation of the extract gave rise to a sample with high molluscicidal activity that contained the acetogenins, annonacin (90%), isoannonacin (6%) and goniothalamicin (4%).

Antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of plants used in West African traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria

Eighteen plants originating from Ivory Coast were selected by ethnobotanical survey as plants commonly used by traditional healers for the treatment of malaria. Extracts of these plants were tested on two strains of Plasmodium falciparum: FcM29-Cameroon (chloroquine-resistant strain) and a Nigerian chloroquine-sensitive strain. The powdered plants were used to prepare three kinds of extracts: by decoction in water, in ethanol (95%) and in pentane. A radioactive micromethod allowed the evaluation of the antiplasmodial in vitro activity of the extracts on P. falciparum. Concentrations inhibiting 50% of the parasite growth (IC50) ranged from 18 microg/ml to more than 500 microg/ml for aqueous and ethanol extracts and from 4.3 microg/ml to more than 500 microg/ml for pentane extracts. Cytotoxicity was estimated on A375 melanoma cells and a cytotoxicity/antiplasmodial index (CAR) was calculated for each extract, ranging from 1 to 10. The pentane extracts of Cola caricaefolia and Uvaria afzelii, which revealed the strongest antiplasmodial activity had CAR values of about 10.

Anti-bacterial activity of some Brazilian medicinal plants

Extracts from various organs of 25 plants of Brazilian traditional medicine were assayed with respect to their anti-bacterial activities against Escherichia coli, a susceptible strain of Staphylococcus aureus and two resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus harbouring the efflux pumps NorA and MsrA. Amongst the 49 extracts studied, 14 presented anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, including the ethanolic extracts from the rhizome of Jatropha elliptica, from the stem barks of Schinus terebinthifolius and Erythrina mulungu, from the stems and leaves of Caesalpinia pyramidalis and Serjania lethalis, and from the stem bark and leaves of Lafoensia pacari. The classes of compounds present in the active extracts were determined as a preliminary step towards their bioactivity-guided separation. No extracts were active against Escherichia coli.

Antiprotozoal activity of Brazilian plant extracts from isoquinoline alkaloid-producing families

Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease afflict the poorest countries in the world. The Brazilian flora represents a rich source for the screening of potential antiparasitic compounds. In this work, we tested the total alkaloid and ethanol extracts of nine different plants from Brazilian families which produce isoquinoline alkaloids, to determine their in vitro antiparasitic effect against L. chagasi and T. cruzi parasites. Promastigotes of L. chagasi were shown to be susceptible only to the total alkaloid extracts of A. crassiflora (EC50 value = 24.89 microg/ml), A. coriacea (EC50 value = 41.60 microg/ml), C. ovalifolia (EC50 value = 63.88 microg/ml) and G. australis (EC50 value = 37.88 microg/ml). Except for the G. australis total alkaloids, all the three extracts presented a considerable activity when tested against intracellular amastigotes. The most effective alkaloid extracts were those from A. crassiflora and C. ovalifolia, which reduced the number of infected macrophages at 25 microg/ml by 86.1% and 89.8%, respectively. Among the 18 tested extracts, 16 showed anti-Trypanosoma activity. Eight extracts (A. crassiflora, A. coriacea, C. ovalifolia, D. furfuracea, D. lanceolata, S. guianensis, X. emarginata and G. australis) were the most effective against the trypomastigotes, killing approximately 100% of the parasites at the maximal concentration of 100 microg/ml. Cytotoxicity against mammalian cells was evaluated for all extracts, but potential ones showed little or no cytotoxicity and a considerable antiparasitic effect, including D. furfuracea, D. lanceolata, G. australis, S. guianensis and X. emarginata. Plants are a rich source of natural compounds, and a powerful tool for the development of new arsenals for the therapy of protozoan diseases.

A study of the larvicidal and molluscicidal activities of some medicinal plants from northeast Brazil

In a search for natural products that could be used to control the vectors of tropical diseases, 23 extracts of medicinal plants from the northeast of Brazil have been tested for molluscicidal activity against egg masses and adults of the snail Biomphalaria glabrata, for larvicidal activity against the larvae of the mosquito Aedes aegypti, and for general toxicity against the larvae of the brine shrimp Artemia salina. Of these extracts, two were active against the adult snail, one against snail egg masses, eight against the larvae of the mosquito, and 16 showed toxicity towards the brine shrimp. Chemical tests indicated that a wide variety of natural product classes were present in those extracts that showed significant activities in the bioassays.