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Ignagali BB, Galani Tietcheu BR, Betrosse T, Kamaya B, Ndjonka D. In Vitro Filaricidal Properties of Aqueous Extracts of Combretum nigricans (Combretaceae) on Onchocerca ochengi (Onchocercidae). J Parasitol Res 2024; 2024:2119056. [PMID: 38328477 PMCID: PMC10849807 DOI: 10.1155/2024/2119056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim Onchocerciasis is an endemic parasitic disease in sub-Saharan Africa that significantly impacts animal and human health. In Northern Cameroon, medicinal plants from the Combretum genus are used for onchocerciasis traditional treatment although there is no scientific evidence of their antifilarial potential. This study evaluates the in vitro macro- and microfilaricidal properties of water extracts from Combretum nigricans in Onchocerca ochengi. Material and Methods. O. ochengi microfilariae and adult male worms were recovered from cowhide fragments. Oxidative stress indicators and motility tests were used to assess the filaricidal impact. Female albino rats were used to test for acute toxicity. The contents of secondary metabolites were quantified. Results The bark aqueous extract was more active on macrofilariae at 1 mg/mL for 24 h (100%) than the leaf (63.9%) and root (75%) extracts at the same concentration. Likewise, a stronger microfilaricidal effect was found with this extract at 0.5 mg/mL for 1 h (100%) compared to root and leaf extracts. The dose-response effect with the bark extract gave an inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) of 351 μg/mL vs. 113 μg/mL for flubendazole after 24 h incubation, while the microfilaricidal efficacy revealed an IC50 of 158.7 μg/mL vs. 54.09 μg/mL for ivermectin after one-hour incubation. Examining stress indicators on parasite homogenates showed that macrofilaricidal activity is associated with a significant increase in nitric oxide, glutathione, and malondialdehyde generation and a decrease in catalase activity. At 2000 mg/kg, rats showed no harm. The phytochemical investigation revealed that the barks contained more phenolic acids, condensed tannins, flavonoids, and saponins than the leaves (p < 0.001). Conclusion These findings support C. nigricans' antifilarial activity and identify oxidative stress indicators as prospective treatment targets in O. ochengi. It would be interesting to conduct in vivo studies to understand their antifilarial activity better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banserne Brey Ignagali
- Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
| | - Borris Rosnay Galani Tietcheu
- Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
| | - Theodore Betrosse
- Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
| | - Blaise Kamaya
- Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
| | - Dieudonne Ndjonka
- Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
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Mamat A, Lame Y, Sabine Adeline FY, Yvette N, Ndode Herman ON, Arnold Roger BN, Dieudonné N. In vitro nematocidal potential of hydro-ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton, 1811 (Apocynaceae) and Faidherbia albida (Delile) A. Chev., 1934 (Fabacae) against Onchocerca ochengi and Caenorhabditiselegans. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16379. [PMID: 37251817 PMCID: PMC10209015 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Onchocerciasis caused by Onchocerca volvulus Leuckart, 1893 is the second-world infection responsible for human blindness. Except Ivermectin which has as targets the microfilariae of that parasite, specific treatment for this disease does not exist and in developing countries, medicinal plants seem to remedy that health problem. For that, aqueous and hydro-ethanolic leaf, bark, and root extracts of Calotropis procera and Faidherbia albida were evaluated in vitro, against the most popular bovine model, Onchocerca ochengi and the free-resistant nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. O. ochengi microfilariae and adults extracted from the bovine nodules and skins as well as the free strains of C. elegans were exposed to the various concentrations of the plant parts extracts and Ivermectin. In results, all the plant parts extracts were rich in tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, coumarins, and glycosides. Phenols (175.45 ± 0.01 mg EGA/g DM), flavonoids (158.98 ± 0.05 mg EC/g DM), and tannins (89.98 ± 2.56 mg ETA/g DM) contents were high in the bark hydro-ethanolic extract of F. albida. The leaf hydro-ethanolic extract of F. albida induced high activity against O. ochengi microfilariae (CL50 = 0.13 mg/mL). The bark hydro-ethanolic extract of F. albida was also the most effective on O. ochengi adults and particularly on female adults (CL50 = 0.18 mg/mL). Against the parasite strain resistant to Ivermectin, F. albida leaf hydro-ethanolic extract appeared more active with CL50 = 0.13 mg/mL. Similarly, the bark hydro-ethanolic extract of F. albida was the most potent on the wild strain of C. elegans. Thus, this study validates the use of these plants by traditional healers in the management of onchocerciasis and suggests a new source of isolation of the potential plant compounds against Onchocerca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Mamat
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
- Centre for Research on Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies, P.O. Box 13033, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Younoussa Lame
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde 1 P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Fanta Yadang Sabine Adeline
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
- Centre for Research on Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies, P.O. Box 13033, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Nguezeye Yvette
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
- Centre for Research on Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies, P.O. Box 13033, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Okah-Nnane Ndode Herman
- Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), Veterinary Research Laboratory, Wakwa Regional Center, P.O. Box 65, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | - Bitja-Nyom Arnold Roger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
| | - Ndjonka Dieudonné
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
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Anti-Onchocercal Properties of Extracts of Scoparia dulcis and Cylicodiscus gabunensis. J Trop Med 2022; 2022:4279689. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/4279689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. The elimination of onchocerciasis is hampered by the absence of suitable drugs that are effective against adult filariae. This study is aimed at assessing the anti-onchocercal effects of extracts of Scoparia dulcis and Cylicodiscus gabunensis that could serve as drug leads against onchocerciasis. Methods. Different parts of the plants (Scoparia dulcis and Cylicodiscus gabunensis) were extracted with hexane, methylene chloride, and methanol. The extracts were tested in vitro against the bovine model parasite, Onchocerca ochengi. Adult female worm viability was determined biochemically by MTT/formazan colorimetry, while the adult male and microfilariae viability were determined by microscopy based on % inhibition of worm motility score. Cytotoxicity and acute toxicity of active extracts were tested on monkey kidney epithelial cells (LLC-MK2) and Balb/C mice, respectively. Results. The hexane extract of Scoparia dulcis recorded the highest activity, with IC50s of 50.78 μg/ml on both adult male and female worms and 3.91 μg/ml on microfilariae. For Cylicodiscus gabunensis extract, the highest activity was seen with the methylene chloride extract, with IC50s of 50.78 μg/ml, 62.50 μg/ml, and 16.28 μg/ml on, respectively, adult male, female, and microfilariae. The 50% cytotoxic concentration on the LLC-MK2 cells was 31.25 μg/ml for the most active extracts. No acute toxicity was recorded for the extracts. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, saponins, phenols, and glycosides. Conclusion. This study validates the traditional use of these plants in treating onchocerciasis and suggests S. dulcis and C. gabunensis as new potential sources for the isolation of anti-onchocerca lead compounds.
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Macrofilaricidal Activity, Acute and Biochemical Effects of Three Lichen Species Found on Mount Cameroon. J Parasitol Res 2022; 2022:1663330. [PMID: 35036001 PMCID: PMC8759906 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1663330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Onchocerciasis is a parasitic infection affecting a relatively small population globally but has very devastating pathological outcomes. Ivermectin and recently moxidectin are the only drugs approved for clinical management of the disease, both of which have several limitations. In particular, they are efficacious against microfilariae (microfilaricidal) with no activity against adult worms (nonmacrofilaricidal). Promising anthelmintic activity has been reported in some lichens. This study investigated three lichens, Usnea articulata, Parmotrema tinctorum, and Heterodermia obscurata, found on Mount Cameroon, for potential macrofilaricidal activity. Organic extracts were screened for anti-Onchocerca activity against Onchocerca ochengi isolated from cattle skin using worm motility and MTT formazan assays. Toxicity of highly active extracts was investigated on monkey kidney epithelial (LLCMK2) cells and in BALB/c mice (2000 mg/kg body weight) including effects on liver enzymes. The methanol extract of P. tinctorum (Pammet) was the most active against adult male worms (IC50 = 8.1 μg/mL) with the highest selectivity index (SI = 21.3). U. articulata was the most active against the adult female (IC50 = 36.3 μg/mL) but had a low SI value (3.4). No mortality and no adverse effects were recorded in the acute toxicity test. These two most active extracts had no significant effect on liver enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate (P values < 0.05), but a high AST : ALT ratio (2.59) for Pammet indicates likely reversible adverse hepatic toxicity. The high macrofilaricidal activity and selectivity of P. tinctorum suggest it is a potential source of new macrofilaricides which should be further investigated to identify its bioactive constituents.
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Duarte-Casar R, Romero-Benavides JC. Tragia L. Genus: Ethnopharmacological Use, Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10122717. [PMID: 34961188 PMCID: PMC8705345 DOI: 10.3390/plants10122717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tragia L. is a genus of plants belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family with worldwide intertropical distribution, composed of more than 150 species. In this literature review, 26 species of the genus used as medicinal plants were found, mainly in East Africa and the Indian subcontinent, with a variety of uses among which antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and reproductive health are most common. Research has been done on a few of the species, mostly those of the Old World, with emphasis on four of them: Tragia involucrata Linn., Tragia spathulata Benth., Tragia benthamii Baker and Tragia plukenetii Radcl.-Sm., confirming several ethnomedicinal claims. Moreover, a variety of active phytochemicals have been isolated, mainly ethers, hydrocarbons, flavonoids and sterols. There is ample field for the evaluation of the activity of Tragia extracts and essential oils and the identification of their active compounds, particularly of the New World species, for which there is still very little research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Duarte-Casar
- Maestría en Química Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 110108, Ecuador;
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 110108, Ecuador
| | - Juan Carlos Romero-Benavides
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 110108, Ecuador
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +593-98-770-8487
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Abongwa M, Samje M, Ayimele GA, Babiaka SB, Bulman C, Sakanari J, Koszewski NJ, Verma S, Goff J, Cho-Ngwa F, Martin RJ, Robertson AP. Filaricidal activity of Daniellia oliveri and Psorospermum febrifugum extracts. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:305. [PMID: 34099047 PMCID: PMC8186089 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04759-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drugs currently used for controlling onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (LF) are mainly microfilaricidal, with minimal or no effect on the adult worms. For efficient management of these diseases, it is necessary to search for new drugs with macrofilaricidal activities that can be used singly or in combination with existing ones. Daniellia oliveri and Psorospermum febrifugum are two plants commonly used in the local management of these infections in Bambui, a township in the North West Region of Cameroon, but there is currently no documented scientific evidence to support their claimed anthelmintic efficacy and safety. The aim of this study was to provide evidence in support of the search for means to eliminate these diseases by screening extracts and chromatographic fractions isolated from these plants for efficacy against the parasitic roundworms Onchocerca ochengi and Brugia pahangi. METHODS The viability of O. ochengi adult worms was assessed using the MTT/formazan assay. Fully confluent monkey kidney epithelial cells (LLC-MK2) served as the feeder layer for the O. ochengi microfilariae (mfs) assays. Viability of the mfs was assessed by microscopic examination for mean motility scoring (relative to the negative control) every 24 h post addition of an extract. The Worminator system was used to test the effects of the extracts on adult B. pahangi motility, and mean motility units were determined for each worm. Cytotoxicity of the active extracts on N27 cells was assessed using the MTS assay. RESULTS Extracts from D. oliveri and P. febrifugum were effective against the adult roundworms O. ochengi and B. pahangi. Interestingly, extracts showing macrofilaricidal activities against O. ochengi also showed activity against O. ochengi mfs. The hexane stem bark extract of D. oliveri (DOBHEX) was more selective for adult O. ochengi than for mfs, with a half maximal and 100% inhibitory concentration (IC50 and IC100, respectively) against adult O. ochengi of 13.9 and 31.3 μg/ml, respectively. The in vitro cytotoxicity of all active extracts on N27 cells showed selective toxicity for parasites (selectivity index > 1). Bioassay-guided fractionation of the extracts yielded fractions with activity against adult B. pahangi, thus confirming the presence of bioactive principles in the plant extracts. CONCLUSIONS Our study supports the use of D. oliveri and P. febrifugum in the traditional treatment of onchocerciasis and LF. The further purification of active extracts from these plants could yield lead compounds for filarial drug discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Abongwa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Moses Samje
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Onchocerciasis Drug Research, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, South West Region, Buea, Cameroon.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Godfred A Ayimele
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, South West Region, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Smith B Babiaka
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, South West Region, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Christina Bulman
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Judy Sakanari
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nick J Koszewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Saurabh Verma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Jesse Goff
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Fidelis Cho-Ngwa
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Onchocerciasis Drug Research, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, South West Region, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Richard J Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Alan P Robertson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
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Tsemeugne J, Shinyuy LM, Djeukoua SKD, Sopbue EF, Ngemenya MN. Evaluation of macrofilaricidal and microfilaricidal activities against Onchocerca ochengi and cytotoxicity of some synthesized azo compounds containing thiophene backbone. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2087-2094. [PMID: 33864105 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07162-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Control and treatment of onchocerciasis, a devastating tropical filarial disease caused by Onchocerca volvulus, rely solely on the community directed treatment with ivermectin. However, ivermectin is only microfilaricidal with evidence of resistance of the parasite among other limitations, which necessitate the search for new efficacious and safe filaricides. Ten synthetic thienylazoryl dyes were screened in vitro against adult and microfilariae worm stages of Onchocerca ochengi based on worm motility and MTT formazan assay. Cytotoxicity of active compounds was assessed on monkey kidney epithelial cells (LLC-MK2) using the MTT formazan assay. Seven (7) compounds showed both macrofilaricidal activity against adult male worms and microfilaricidal activity among which three 4a, 4c and 4e recorded the highest activity (IC50 = 4.2 to 8.8μM) against adult male worms, comparable to some standard anthelmintics. Five compounds showed rapid activity against microfilariae with 100% inhibition after 24-h incubation. The active compounds were nontoxic on monkey kidney cells (CC50> 4μg/mL), but their selectivity index values were relatively low (≤ 3). The thienylazoaryls with both macrofilaricidal and microfilaricidal activities may yield molecules which could be used for eradication of onchocerciasis following further medicinal chemistry modification of their structures to enhance their selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Tsemeugne
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Lahngong M Shinyuy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
| | - Sorel K D Djeukoua
- Laboratory of Applied Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Emmanuel F Sopbue
- Laboratory of Applied Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Moses N Ngemenya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon. .,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon.
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Antischistosomal, antionchocercal and antitrypanosomal potentials of some Ghanaian traditional medicines and their constituents. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008919. [PMID: 33382717 PMCID: PMC7810346 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ghana is endemic for some neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) including schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. The major intervention for these diseases is mass drug administration of a few repeatedly recycled drugs which is a cause for major concern due to reduced efficacy of the drugs and the emergence of drug resistance. Evidently, new treatments are needed urgently. Medicinal plants, on the other hand, have a reputable history as important sources of potent therapeutic agents in the treatment of various diseases among African populations, Ghana inclusively, and provide very useful starting points for the discovery of much-needed new or alternative drugs. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, extracts of fifteen traditional medicines used for treating various NTDs in local communities were screened in vitro for efficacy against schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis and African trypanosomiasis. Two extracts, NTD-B4-DCM and NTD-B7-DCM, prepared from traditional medicines used to treat schistosomiasis, displayed the highest activity (IC50 = 30.5 μg/mL and 30.8 μg/mL, respectively) against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. NTD-B2-DCM, also obtained from an antischistosomal remedy, was the most active against female and male adult Onchocera ochengi worms (IC50 = 76.2 μg/mL and 76.7 μg/mL, respectively). Antitrypanosomal assay of the extracts against Trypanosoma brucei brucei gave the most promising results (IC50 = 5.63 μg/mL to 18.71 μg/mL). Incidentally, NTD-B4-DCM and NTD-B2-DCM, also exhibited the greatest antitrypanosomal activities (IC50 = 5.63 μg/mL and 7.12 μg/mL, respectively). Following the favourable outcome of the antitrypanosomal screening, this assay was selected for bioactivity-guided fractionation. NTD-B4-DCM, the most active extract, was fractionated and subsequent isolation of bioactive constituents led to an eupatoriochromene-rich oil (42.6%) which was 1.3-fold (IC50 <0.0977 μg/mL) more active than the standard antitrypanosomal drug, diminazene aceturate (IC50 = 0.13 μg/mL). CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE These findings justify the use of traditional medicines and demonstrate their prospects towards NTDs drug discovery.
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Babiaka SB, Simoben CV, Abuga KO, Mbah JA, Karpoormath R, Ongarora D, Mugo H, Monya E, Cho-Ngwa F, Sippl W, Loveridge EJ, Ntie-Kang F. Alkaloids with Anti-Onchocercal Activity from Voacanga africana Stapf (Apocynaceae): Identification and Molecular Modeling. Molecules 2020; 26:E70. [PMID: 33375687 PMCID: PMC7795662 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A new iboga-vobasine-type isomeric bisindole alkaloid named voacamine A (1), along with eight known compounds-voacangine (2), voacristine (3), coronaridine (4), tabernanthine (5), iboxygaine (6), voacamine (7), voacorine (8) and conoduramine (9)-were isolated from the stem bark of Voacangaafricana. The structures of the compounds were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. Compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 were found to inhibit the motility of both the microfilariae (Mf) and adult male worms of Onchocerca ochengi, in a dose-dependent manner, but were only moderately active on the adult female worms upon biochemical assessment at 30 μM drug concentrations. The IC50 values of the isolates are 2.49-5.49 µM for microfilariae and 3.45-17.87 µM for adult males. Homology modeling was used to generate a 3D model of the O. ochengi thioredoxin reductase target and docking simulation, followed by molecular dynamics and binding free energy calculations attempted to offer an explanation of the anti-onchocercal structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the isolated compounds. These alkaloids are new potential leads for the development of antifilarial drugs. The results of this study validate the traditional use of V. africana in the treatment of human onchocerciasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smith B. Babiaka
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea CM-00237, Cameroon;
- AgroEco Health Platform, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi BEN-00229, Benin
| | - Conrad V. Simoben
- Institute for Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120 Halle, Germany; (C.V.S.); (W.S.)
| | - Kennedy O. Abuga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 19676–00202, Kenya; (K.O.A.); (D.O.); (H.M.)
| | - James A. Mbah
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea CM-00237, Cameroon;
| | - Rajshekhar Karpoormath
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa;
| | - Dennis Ongarora
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 19676–00202, Kenya; (K.O.A.); (D.O.); (H.M.)
| | - Hannington Mugo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 19676–00202, Kenya; (K.O.A.); (D.O.); (H.M.)
| | - Elvis Monya
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Onchocerciasis Drug Research, Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea CM-00237, Cameroon; (E.M.); (F.C.-N.)
| | - Fidelis Cho-Ngwa
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Onchocerciasis Drug Research, Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea CM-00237, Cameroon; (E.M.); (F.C.-N.)
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute for Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120 Halle, Germany; (C.V.S.); (W.S.)
| | - Edric Joel Loveridge
- Department of Chemistry, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Fidele Ntie-Kang
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea CM-00237, Cameroon;
- Institute for Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120 Halle, Germany; (C.V.S.); (W.S.)
- Institute of Botany, Technical University of Dresden, 01217 Dresden, Germany
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Vanhamme L, Souopgui J, Ghogomu S, Ngale Njume F. The Functional Parasitic Worm Secretome: Mapping the Place of Onchocerca volvulus Excretory Secretory Products. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9110975. [PMID: 33238479 PMCID: PMC7709020 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nematodes constitute a very successful phylum, especially in terms of parasitism. Inside their mammalian hosts, parasitic nematodes mainly dwell in the digestive tract (geohelminths) or in the vascular system (filariae). One of their main characteristics is their long sojourn inside the body where they are accessible to the immune system. Several strategies are used by parasites in order to counteract the immune attacks. One of them is the expression of molecules interfering with the function of the immune system. Excretory-secretory products (ESPs) pertain to this category. This is, however, not their only biological function, as they seem also involved in other mechanisms such as pathogenicity or parasitic cycle (molting, for example). We will mainly focus on filariae ESPs with an emphasis on data available regarding Onchocerca volvulus, but we will also refer to a few relevant/illustrative examples related to other worm categories when necessary (geohelminth nematodes, trematodes or cestodes). We first present Onchocerca volvulus, mainly focusing on the aspects of this organism that seem relevant when it comes to ESPs: life cycle, manifestations of the sickness, immunosuppression, diagnosis and treatment. We then elaborate on the function and use of ESPs in these aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Vanhamme
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Rue des Professeurs Jeener et Brachet 12, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium; (J.S.); (F.N.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jacob Souopgui
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Rue des Professeurs Jeener et Brachet 12, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium; (J.S.); (F.N.N.)
| | - Stephen Ghogomu
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea P.O Box 63, Cameroon;
| | - Ferdinand Ngale Njume
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Rue des Professeurs Jeener et Brachet 12, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium; (J.S.); (F.N.N.)
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea P.O Box 63, Cameroon;
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Salehi B, Zakaria ZA, Gyawali R, Ibrahim SA, Rajkovic J, Shinwari ZK, Khan T, Sharifi-Rad J, Ozleyen A, Turkdonmez E, Valussi M, Tumer TB, Monzote Fidalgo L, Martorell M, Setzer WN. Piper Species: A Comprehensive Review on Their Phytochemistry, Biological Activities and Applications. Molecules 2019; 24:E1364. [PMID: 30959974 PMCID: PMC6479398 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24071364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Piper species are aromatic plants used as spices in the kitchen, but their secondary metabolites have also shown biological effects on human health. These plants are rich in essential oils, which can be found in their fruits, seeds, leaves, branches, roots and stems. Some Piper species have simple chemical profiles, while others, such as Piper nigrum, Piper betle, and Piper auritum, contain very diverse suites of secondary metabolites. In traditional medicine, Piper species have been used worldwide to treat several diseases such as urological problems, skin, liver and stomach ailments, for wound healing, and as antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agents. In addition, Piper species could be used as natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents in food preservation. The phytochemicals and essential oils of Piper species have shown strong antioxidant activity, in comparison with synthetic antioxidants, and demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal activities against human pathogens. Moreover, Piper species possess therapeutic and preventive potential against several chronic disorders. Among the functional properties of Piper plants/extracts/active components the antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and neuropharmacological activities of the extracts and extract-derived bioactive constituents are thought to be key effects for the protection against chronic conditions, based on preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, besides clinical studies. Habitats and cultivation of Piper species are also covered in this review. In this current work, available literature of chemical constituents of the essential oils Piper plants, their use in traditional medicine, their applications as a food preservative, their antiparasitic activities and other important biological activities are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahare Salehi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam 44340847, Iran.
| | - Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Rabin Gyawali
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA.
| | - Salam A Ibrahim
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA.
| | - Jovana Rajkovic
- Institute of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Zabta Khan Shinwari
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
| | - Tariq Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- Food Safety Research Center (salt), Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan 35198-99951, Iran.
| | - Adem Ozleyen
- Graduate Program of Biomolecular Sciences, Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020 Canakkale, Turkey.
| | - Elif Turkdonmez
- Graduate Program of Biomolecular Sciences, Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020 Canakkale, Turkey.
| | - Marco Valussi
- European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association (EHTPA), 25 Lincoln Close, GL20 5TY Tewkesbury, UK.
| | - Tugba Boyunegmez Tumer
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Science, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020 Canakkale, Turkey.
| | - Lianet Monzote Fidalgo
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kouri", 10400 Havana, Cuba.
| | - Miquel Martorell
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepcion, 4070386 Concepcion, VIII-Bio Bio Region, Chile.
| | - William N Setzer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA.
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 100, Lehi, UT 84043, USA.
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Ndjonka D, Djafsia B, Liebau E. Review on medicinal plants and natural compounds as anti-Onchocerca agents. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2697-2713. [PMID: 30008135 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6003-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Onchocerciasis is a filarial vector borne disease which affects several million people mostly in Africa. The therapeutic approach of its control was based on a succession of drugs which always showed limits. The last one: ivermectin is not the least. It was shown to be only microfilaricidal and induced resistance to the human parasite Onchocerca volvulus. The approach using medicinal plants used in traditional medicine is a possible alternative method to cure onchocerciasis. Onchocerca ochengi and Onchocerca gutturosa are the parasite models used to assess anthelmintic activity of potentially anthelmintic plants. Numerous studies assessed the in vitro and/or in vivo anthelmintic activity of medicinal plants. Online electronic databases were consulted to gather publications on in vitro and in vivo studies of anti-Onchocerca activity of plants from 1990 to 2017. Globally, 13 plant families were investigated for anti-Onchocerca activity in 13 studies. The most active species were Anacardium occidentale, Euphorbia hirta and Acacia nilotica each with an LC50 value of 2.76, 6.25 and 1.2 μg/mL, respectively. Polycarpol, voacamine, voacangine, ellagic acid, gallic acid, gentisic acid, 3-O-acetyl aleuritolic acid and (-)-epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate were the isolated plant compounds with anti-Onchocerca activity. Most of the assessed extract/compounds showed a good safety after in vivo acute toxicity assays and/or in vitro cytotoxicity test. The exception was the ethanol extract of Trichilia emetica, which killed completely and drastically mice at a dose of 3000 mg/kg. Several plant groups of compounds were shown active against Onchocerca sp. such as tannins, alkaloids, triterpenoids and essential oils. Nevertheless, none of the active compounds was subjected to clinical trial, to assessment of its diffusibility through nodular wall or its capability to induce genetic resistance of Onchocerca sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieudonné Ndjonka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon.
| | - Boursou Djafsia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon.,Saint Jerome School of Health Sciences, Saint Jerome Catholic University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Eva Liebau
- University of Münster, Institute for Zoophysiology, Schlossplatz 8, 48143, Münster, Germany
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Buist NL, Minnihan EC, Young K, Yang L. Impacting Global Health Through Equipment Repurposing: Measurable Progress Through the Accumulation of Many Tiny Victories. J Pharm Sci 2017; 107:788-793. [PMID: 29074379 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
There is an active and growing effort occurring in laboratories throughout Africa to research the underpinnings of endemic communicable diseases, many of which are considered "neglected tropical diseases" as defined by the World Health Organization. Across the continent, scientists, doctors, health care workers, and students investigate the in vitro activity of pharmacologically active extracts against known pathogens in hope of discovering new treatments for the diseases that affect the local population. During the summer of 2014, I had the opportunity to visit laboratories in 3 different countries engaged in this area of research through participation in the Merck Fellowship for Global Health (Merck is known as Merck, Sharp & Dohme outside of the United States and Canada.), in which Merck sponsors employees on a short-term sabbatical to work with a global health-focused nonprofit organization. This commentary describes the objectives of the fellowship program, the specific project to which my co-fellow and I contributed, and the story of a subsequent equipment donation effort that was inspired by my individual fellowship experience. It also captures a few of the more notable challenges and opportunities for the scientists in the laboratories we visited. Finally, for the reader who may be curious as to how she or he can contribute, I hope to move you to action by highlighting some of the opportunities for researchers to positively and creatively impact global health from their "home" lab benches and hoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Buist
- Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033.
| | - Ellen C Minnihan
- Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033
| | - Katherine Young
- Clinical Microbiology, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033
| | - Lihu Yang
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033
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