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Hussain M, Thakur RK, Khazir J, Ahmed S, Khan MI, Rahi P, Peer LA, Shanmugam PV, Kaur S, Raina SN, Reshi ZA, Sehgal D, Rajpal VR, Mir BA. Traditional uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of the Genus Artemisia L. (Asteraceae): A High-value Medicinal Plant. Curr Top Med Chem 2024; 24:301-342. [PMID: 37711006 DOI: 10.2174/1568026623666230914104141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Biologically active secondary metabolites, essential oils, and volatile compounds derived from medicinal and aromatic plants play a crucial role in promoting human health. Within the large family Asteraceae, the genus Artemisia consists of approximately 500 species. Artemisia species have a rich history in traditional medicine worldwide, offering remedies for a wide range of ailments, such as malaria, jaundice, toothache, gastrointestinal problems, wounds, inflammatory diseases, diarrhoea, menstrual pains, skin disorders, headache, and intestinal parasites. The therapeutic potential of Artemisia species is derived from a multitude of phytoconstituents, including terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, coumarins, sesquiterpene lactones, lignans, and alkaloids that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). The remarkable antimalarial, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antispasmodic, antioxidative and insecticidal properties possessed by the species are attributed to these APIs. Interestingly, several commercially utilized pharmaceutical drugs, including arglabin, artemisinin, artemether, artesunate, santonin, and tarralin have also been derived from different Artemisia species. However, despite the vast medicinal potential, only a limited number of Artemisia species have been exploited commercially. Further, the available literature on traditional and pharmacological uses of Artemisia lacks comprehensive reviews. Therefore, there is an urgent need to bridge the existing knowledge gaps and provide a scientific foundation for future Artemisia research endeavours. It is in this context, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive account of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, documented biological properties and toxicity of all the species of Artemisia and offers useful insights for practitioners and researchers into underutilized species and their potential applications. This review aims to stimulate further exploration, experimentation and collaboration to fully realize the therapeutic potential of Artemisia in augmenting human health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manzoor Hussain
- Department of Botanical & Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
| | - Rakesh Kr Thakur
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, U.P, 201313, India
| | - Jabeena Khazir
- Department of Chemistry, HKM Govt. Degree College Eidgah, Srinagar, J&K, India
| | - Sajad Ahmed
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road Jammu, 180001, J&K, India
| | | | - Praveen Rahi
- Biological Resources Center, Institut Pasteur, University de Paris, Paris, 75015, France
| | - Latif Ahmad Peer
- Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, 190006, India
| | | | - Satwinderjeet Kaur
- Department of Botanical & Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
| | - Soom Nath Raina
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, U.P, 201313, India
| | - Zafar Ahmad Reshi
- Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, 190006, India
| | - Deepmala Sehgal
- Syngenta, Jeolett's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire, UK
| | - Vijay Rani Rajpal
- Department of Botany, HansRaj College, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Bilal Ahmad Mir
- Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, 190006, India
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Antiparasitic Tannin-Rich Plants from the South of Europe for Grazing Livestock: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020201. [PMID: 36670741 PMCID: PMC9855007 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020201] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Internal parasites are one of the main causes of health threats in livestock production, especially in extensive livestock farming. Despite the environmental toxic effects (loss of dung beetles, biodiversity, and other issues) and resistance phenomenon derived from their prolonged use, anti-parasitic chemical pharmaceuticals are frequently used, even in organic farming. Such a situation within the context of climate change requires urgent exploration of alternative compounds to solve these problems and apparent conflicts between organic farming objectives regarding the environment, public health, and animal health. This review is focused on some plants (Artemisia spp., Cichorium intybus L., Ericaceae family, Hedysarum coronarium L., Lotus spp., Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) that are well known for their antiparasitic effect, are voluntarily grazed and ingested, and can be spontaneously found or cultivated in southern Europe and other regions with a Mediterranean climate. The differences found between effectiveness, parasite species affected, in vitro/in vivo experiments, and active compounds are explored. A total of 87 papers where antiparasitic activity of those plants have been studied are included in this review; 75% studied the effect on ruminant parasites, where gastrointestinal nematodes were the parasite group most studied (70%), and these included natural (31%) and experimental (37%) infections.
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Fairweather I, Brennan GP, Hanna REB, Robinson MW, Skuce PJ. Drug resistance in liver flukes. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2020; 12:39-59. [PMID: 32179499 PMCID: PMC7078123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver flukes include Fasciola hepatica, Fasciola gigantica, Clonorchis sinensis, Opisthorchis spp., Fascioloides magna, Gigantocotyle explanatum and Dicrocoelium spp. The two main species, F. hepatica and F. gigantica, are major parasites of livestock and infections result in huge economic losses. As with C. sinensis, Opisthorchis spp. and Dicrocoelium spp., they affect millions of people worldwide, causing severe health problems. Collectively, the group is referred to as the Food-Borne Trematodes and their true significance is now being more widely recognised. However, reports of resistance to triclabendazole (TCBZ), the most widely used anti-Fasciola drug, and to other current drugs are increasing. This is a worrying scenario. In this review, progress in understanding the mechanism(s) of resistance to TCBZ is discussed, focusing on tubulin mutations, altered drug uptake and changes in drug metabolism. There is much interest in the development of new drugs and drug combinations, the re-purposing of non-flukicidal drugs, and the development of new drug formulations and delivery systems; all this work will be reviewed. Sound farm management practices also need to be put in place, with effective treatment programmes, so that drugs can be used wisely and their efficacy conserved as much as is possible. This depends on reliable advice being given by veterinarians and other advisors. Accurate diagnosis and identification of drug-resistant fluke populations is central to effective control: to determine the actual extent of the problem and to determine how well or otherwise a treatment has worked; for research on establishing the mechanism of resistance (and identifying molecular markers of resistance); for informing treatment options; and for testing the efficacy of new drug candidates. Several diagnostic methods are available, but there are no recommended guidelines or standardised protocols in place and this is an issue that needs to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Fairweather
- School of Biological Sciences, The Queen's University of Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK.
| | - G P Brennan
- School of Biological Sciences, The Queen's University of Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - R E B Hanna
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3SD, UK
| | - M W Robinson
- School of Biological Sciences, The Queen's University of Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - P J Skuce
- Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Edinburgh, EH26 0PZ, UK
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Lam NS, Long X, Su XZ, Lu F. Artemisinin and its derivatives in treating helminthic infections beyond schistosomiasis. Pharmacol Res 2018; 133:77-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Choi WH. Novel Pharmacological Activity of Artesunate and Artemisinin: Their Potential as Anti-Tubercular Agents. J Clin Med 2017; 6:E30. [PMID: 28287416 PMCID: PMC5372999 DOI: 10.3390/jcm6030030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis is a major infectious disease that globally causes the highest human mortality. From this aspect, this study was carried out to evaluate novel pharmacological activities/effects of artesunate and artemisinin causing anti-tubercular activity/effects against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The anti-Mtb activities/effects of artesunate and artemisinin were evaluated using different anti-Mtb indicator assays, such as the resazurin microtiter assay, the Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) 960 system assay, and the Ogawa slant medium assay, as well as in vivo tests. Artesunate showed selective anti-Mtb effects by strongly inhibiting the growth of Mtb compared to artemisinin, and consistently induced anti-Mtb activity/effects by effectively inhibiting Mtb in the MGIT 960 system and in Ogawa slant medium for 21 days with a single dose; its minimum inhibitory concentration was 300 µg/mL in in vitro testing. Furthermore, artesunate demonstrated an anti-tubercular effect/action with a daily dose of 3.5 mg/kg in an in vivo test for four weeks, which did not indicate or induce toxicity and side effects. These results demonstrate that artesunate effectively inhibits the growth and/or proliferation of Mtb through novel pharmacological activities/actions, as well as induces anti-Mtb activity. This study shows its potential as a potent candidate agent for developing new anti-tuberculosis drugs of an effective/safe next generation, and suggests novel insights into its effective use by repurposing existing drugs through new pharmacological activity/effects as one of the substantive alternatives for inhibiting tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Hyung Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, 26 Kyunghee-daero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, 26 Kyunghee-daero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
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Souza JG, Lopes Torres EJ, Garcia JS, Gomes APN, Rodrigues-Silva R, Maldonado A, Machado-Silva JR. Light and scanning electron microscopy study of in vitro effects of artesunate in newly excysted metacercariae of Echinostoma paraensei (Trematoda: Digenea). Exp Parasitol 2017; 174:10-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Moazeni M, Saadaty Ardakani ZS, Saharkhiz MJ, Jalaei J, Khademolhoseini AA, Shams Esfand Abad S, Mootabi Alavi A. In vitro ovicidal activity of Peganum harmala seeds extract on the eggs of Fasciola hepatica. J Parasit Dis 2016; 41:467-472. [PMID: 28615861 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-016-0830-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Peganum harmala seeds extract has been previously reported to have antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ovicidal activity of the methanolic extract of P. harmala seeds against the eggs of F. hepatica. The phenolic compounds of the methanolic extract of P. harmala seeds were identified by HPLC analysis. Catechin, rutin, p-Coumaric acid, chloregenic acid and hesperetin were found to be the major phenolic compounds. F. hepatica eggs were collected from the gall bladder of naturally infected sheep. The eggs were exposed to two concentrations of P. harmala seeds extract (1 and 3 mg/mL) for 24 and 48 h. To investigate the effect of the P. harmala seeds extract on the miracidial formation, the treated eggs were incubated at 28 °C for 14 days. The results indicated that F. hepatica eggs were susceptible to the methanolic extract of P. harmala seeds. Following 24 h exposure of the eggs to P. harmala seeds extract with concentrations of 1 and 3 mg/mL, the miracidial formation reduced to 5 and 2.2 % respectively (compared with 60 % for the control group). Following 48 h of exposure of the eggs to P. harmala seeds extract with 1 mg/mL concentration, the miracidial formation reduced to 0.5 %. In this exposure time, no miracidial formation was observed in the eggs exposed to P. harmala seeds extract with concentration of 3 mg/mL. Therefore, the results of this study indicated that P. harmala seeds extract has high ovicidal activity against the eggs of F. hepatica. Accordingly, this extract may have the potential flukicidal activity against the immature and mature F. hepatica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Moazeni
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71345-1731 Iran
| | | | | | - Jafar Jalaei
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Shahab Shams Esfand Abad
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71345-1731 Iran
| | - Amir Mootabi Alavi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71345-1731 Iran
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Disruption of spermatogenesis in the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica by two artemisinin derivatives, artemether and artesunate. J Helminthol 2016; 91:55-71. [PMID: 26979164 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x16000079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
An in vivo study in the laboratory rat model has been carried out to monitor changes to the spermatogenic cells in the testis tubules of adult Fasciola hepatica following treatment with the artemisinins, artemether and artesunate. Rats infected with the triclabendazole (TCBZ)-resistant Sligo isolate were dosed orally with artemether at a concentration of 200 mg/kg and flukes recovered at 24, 48 and 72 h post treatment (pt). Rats infected with the TCBZ-resistant Oberon isolate were dosed orally with artesunate at a concentration of 200 mg/kg and flukes recovered 24, 48, 72 and 96 h pt. The flukes were processed for histological and transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination. Changes to the spermatogenic cells were evident at 24 h pt with artemether. The spermatogonial and spermatocyte cells contained abnormal mitochondria, there were fewer spermatids and spermatozoa in the tubules than normal, and a number of cells showed signs of apoptosis. There was a further decline in cell numbers at 48 h pt and the organization of the spermatocyte and spermatid rosettes was atypical. Sperm formation had become abnormal and those spermatozoa present possessed only a single axoneme. By 72 h pt, the testis tubules were vacuolated and filled with abnormal cells and cell debris. Only spermatogonial cells could be identified and there was widespread evidence of apoptosis in the cells. Distinct cellular changes following artesunate treatment did not become apparent until 48 h pt. The changes seen were similar to those described for artemether, but were generally less severe at matching time-periods. The fine structural changes occurring in the spermatogenic cells were compared to those observed in other cell types and fluke tissues and the overall information was collated to identify the cellular targets for artemisinin action and to establish the time-line for drug action.
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O'Neill J, Johnston R, Halferty L, Brennan G, Fairweather I. Ultrastructural changes in the tegument and gut of adult Fasciola hepatica following in vivo treatment with artesunate. Exp Parasitol 2015; 154:143-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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O'Neill JF, Johnston RC, Halferty L, Hanna REB, Brennan GP, Fairweather I. A comparative study on the impact of two artemisinin derivatives, artemether and artesunate, on the female reproductive system of Fasciola hepatica. Vet Parasitol 2015; 211:182-94. [PMID: 26093822 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
An in vivo study in the laboratory rat model has been carried out to monitor changes to the female reproductive system in adult Fasciola hepatica following treatment with the artemisinins, artemether and artesunate. Rats infected with the triclabendazole (TCBZ)-resistant Sligo isolate were dosed orally with artemether at a concentration of 200mg/kg and flukes recovered at 24, 48 and 72 h post-treatment (pt). Rats infected with the TCBZ-resistant Oberon isolate were dosed orally with artesunate at a concentration of 200mg/kg and flukes recovered 24, 48, 72 and 96 h pt. The flukes were processed for histological and transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination of the uterus, Mehlis' gland, ovary and vitellaria. After treatment with artemether, egg production had become abnormal by 72 h pt, with free vitelline cells and masses of shell protein material within the uterus; spermatozoa were absent. The Mehlis' gland and ovary retained a normal morphology over the 3-day period. A change in the cell population in the vitelline follicles was seen at 48 h pt, with a decline in the number of immature cells. This became more marked by 72 h and the follicles became progressively vacuolated over the 3-day period. At the TEM level, there were changes in the immature vitelline cells at 24h pt, as evidenced by a decrease in shell protein production and the presence of lipid droplets and abnormal mitochondria. Spaces in the follicles separated the cells from each other. The changes became progressively more severe with time, so that, by 72 h pt, the follicles were very disrupted, containing cells in the advanced stages of apoptotic breakdown. In extreme cases, the follicles were scarcely recognisable and had become filled with cellular debris. Fine structural changes to the vitelline cells induced by artesunate treatment were similar to those described for artemether, but generally occurred more quickly and were greater; this was particularly true of the swelling of the ger cisternae. Overall, the results have shown that artemisinin treatment has a severe impact on egg production by TCBZ-resistant flukes, an effect that is mediated by disruption of the vitelline cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F O'Neill
- Parasite Therapeutics Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, The Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - R C Johnston
- Parasite Therapeutics Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, The Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - L Halferty
- Parasite Therapeutics Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, The Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - R E B Hanna
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, United Kingdom
| | - G P Brennan
- Parasite Therapeutics Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, The Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - I Fairweather
- Parasite Therapeutics Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, The Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
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Godara R, Parveen S, Katoch R, Yadav A, Katoch M, Khajuria JK, Kaur D, Ganai A, Verma PK, Khajuria V, Singh NK. Acaricidal activity of ethanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium against Hyalomma anatolicum ticks. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2015; 65:141-148. [PMID: 25039005 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-014-9843-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of different concentrations of ethanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of Artemisia absinthium in comparison to amitraz on adults, eggs and larvae of Hyalomma anatolicum using the adult immersion test (AIT), egg hatchability test and larval packet test (LPT), respectively. Four concentrations of the extract (2.5, 5, 10 and 20%) with three replications for each concentration were used in all the bioassays. In AIT, the mortality rates at 2.5, 5 and 10% were significantly different (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control group; however, at 20%, it was similar to the positive control group. Maximum mortality of 86.7% was recorded at 20%. The LC50 and LC95 values were calculated as 6.51 and 55.43%, respectively. The oviposition was reduced significantly by 36.8 and 59.1% at concentrations of 10 and 20%, respectively. Egg hatchability was reduced significantly at all concentrations (2.5-20%) in comparison to the control. In LPT, the extract caused 100% mortality of larvae at all the concentrations after 24 h. The results show that ethanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of A. absinthium has acaricidal properties and could be useful in controlling H. anatolicum.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Godara
- Division of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, R.S. Pura, Jammu, 181 102, India
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In vitro evaluation of ethanolic extracts of Ageratum conyzoides and Artemisia absinthium against cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:858973. [PMID: 25525626 PMCID: PMC4267217 DOI: 10.1155/2014/858973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro efficacy of ethanolic extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Ageratum conyzoides and Artemisia absinthium was assessed on Rhipicephalus microplus using adult immersion test (AIT). Five concentrations of the extract (1.25%, 2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 20%) with three replications for each concentration were used in the bioassay. In AIT, the maximum mortality was recorded as 40% and 66.7% at 20% concentration for A. conyzoides and A. absinthium, respectively. Acaricidal activity was found to be higher in the extract of A. absinthium with LC50 and LC95 values of 11.2% and 61.7%, respectively. Egg mass weight of the live ticks treated with different concentrations of the extracts was significantly (P<0.05) lower than that of control ticks; consequently, the reproductive index and oviposition values of the treated ticks were reduced significantly (P<0.05). The A. conyzoides inhibited 90% hatching of eggs at the 20% concentration, whereas A. absinthium showed 100% inhibition at 5%, 10%, and 20% concentrations. The results show that A. absinthium has better acaricidal properties than A. conyzoides and could be useful in controlling R. microplus.
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Schultz TL, Hencken CP, Woodard LE, Posner GH, Yolken RH, Jones-Brando L, Carruthers VB. A Thiazole Derivative of Artemisinin Moderately ReducesToxoplasma gondiiCyst Burden in Infected Mice. J Parasitol 2014; 100:516-21. [DOI: 10.1645/13-451.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
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Panic G, Duthaler U, Speich B, Keiser J. Repurposing drugs for the treatment and control of helminth infections. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:185-200. [PMID: 25516827 PMCID: PMC4266803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Drug repurposing continues to be the central drug discovery strategy for helminths. Most repurposed drugs come from veterinary medicine and known drug classes. Only a handful of drugs have advanced clinically. More collaborations and funding are needed to advance discoveries to the market.
Helminth infections are responsible for a considerable public health burden, yet the current drug armamentarium is small. Given the high cost of drug discovery and development, the high failure rates and the long duration to develop novel treatments, drug repurposing circumvents these obstacles by finding new uses for compounds other than those they were initially intended to treat. In the present review, we summarize in vivo and clinical trial findings testing clinical candidates and marketed drugs against schistosomes, food-borne trematodes, soil-transmitted helminths, Strongyloides stercoralis, the major human filariases lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, taeniasis, neurocysticercosis and echinococcosis. While expanding the applications of broad-spectrum or veterinary anthelmintics continues to fuel alternative treatment options, antimalarials, antibiotics, antiprotozoals and anticancer agents appear to be producing fruitful results as well. The trematodes and nematodes continue to be most investigated, while cestodal drug discovery will need to be accelerated. The most clinically advanced drug candidates include the artemisinins and mefloquine against schistosomiasis, tribendimidine against liver flukes, oxantel pamoate against trichuriasis, and doxycycline against filariasis. Preclinical studies indicate a handful of promising future candidates, and are beginning to elucidate the broad-spectrum activity of some currently used anthelmintics. Challenges and opportunities are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jennifer Keiser
- Corresponding author. Address: Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland. Tel.: +41 61 284 8218; fax: +41 61 284 8105.
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Madbouly NA, Shalash IR, El Deeb SO, El Amir AM. Effect of artemether on cytokine profile and egg induced pathology in murine schistosomiasis mansoni. J Adv Res 2014; 6:851-7. [PMID: 26644922 PMCID: PMC4642152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 07/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemether (ART), the methylated derivative of artemisinin, is an efficacious antimalarial drug that also displays antischistosomal properties. This study was designed to evaluate the immunomodulatory action of a single intramuscular dose (50 mg/kg body weight) of ART in comparison with PZQ treatment (42 days PI). ART administration was 7, 14, 21 and 45 days PI. ART effect was studied parasitologically, histopathologically and immunologically. It was found that maximum effect was reached when ART treatment interfered with 14 or 21 days old schistosomula. ART treatment 14 or 21 days PI was associated with shift from Th2 to Th1 predominancy (decrease in IL-4 and upgrading of serum IFN-γ levels). In conclusion, ART is a promising drug in control of schistosomiasis mansoni due to its reductive effect on worm burden and its role in improvement of hepatic granulomatous lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Azza M El Amir
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Egypt
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Ebrahimisadr P, Ghaffarifar F, Hassan ZM, Sirousazar M, Mohammadnejad F. Effect of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Containing Artemether in Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania major in BALB/c Mice. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2014; 7:e9696. [PMID: 25147717 PMCID: PMC4138637 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.9696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is one of the well-known polymers, which has been used in numerous biomedical applications because of its good biocompatibility. Objectives: Due to problems made by the therapeutics already used for leishmaniasis, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PVA containing artemether in treating cutaneous leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice. Materials and Methods: Aqueous solution of PVA was prepared by mixing with Double Distilled Water. After preparation of PVA, 4.33 mg of each drug (main drug artemether and control drug 14% glucantime) was added to 100 g of prepared PVA-honey solution. The solution was incubated at 37°C and the release of artemether was evaluated by measuring absorbance at 260 nm wave length. In this study for treatment of mice lesion, we used PVA containing artemether and glucantime and this method was compared with ointment treatment. Results: Mean diameters of lesions in mice treated with artemether were smaller than the control group and the differences were significant (P < 0.05). The mean lesion size of mice treated with PVA containing artemether in comparison with the group treated with ointment of artemether were smaller and the differences were significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: PVA containing artemether is a new method for treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis and according to the obtained results, artemether is an appropriate and effective drug, especially when used with PVA as a lesion dressing; thus we suggest that this method can be applied for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Ebrahimisadr
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Fatemeh Ghaffarifar, Department of Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-2182884553, Fax: +98-2182884555, E-mail:
| | - Zuhir Mohammad Hassan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Mohammad Sirousazar
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Urmia University of Technology, Urmia, IR Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mohammadnejad
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IR Iran
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Artemisinins: Pharmacological actions beyond anti-malarial. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 142:126-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 309] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Godara R, Parveen S, Katoch R, Yadav A, Verma PK, Katoch M, Kaur D, Ganai A, Raghuvanshi P, Singh NK. Acaricidal activity of extract of Artemisia absinthium against Rhipicephalus sanguineus of dogs. Parasitol Res 2013; 113:747-54. [PMID: 24288053 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3704-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of different concentrations of chloroform extract obtained from the aerial parts of Artemisia absinthium in comparison to amitraz on adults, eggs and larvae of the dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus using the adult immersion test (AIT), egg hatchability test (EHT) and larval packet test (LPT), respectively. Five concentrations of the extract (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 %) with three replications for each concentration were used in all the bioassays. A control group was established (water + dimethylsulphoxide) together with a positive control group (amitraz), with three repetitions each. In AIT, the mortality rates were 0.0, 13.3, 16.7, 33.3 and 93.3 % in concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 %, respectively, and the variation was significant (p=0.0151). The LC50 (CI) and LC95 (CI) values were calculated as 8.793 % (8.217-9.408) and 34.59 % (29.71-40.26), respectively. The egg production was reduced by 6.6, 6.6, 18.3, 42.5 and 85.1 % in the concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 %, respectively, and it was statistically significant (p=0.0274). In EHT, hatching was completely inhibited at 5, 10 and 20 % displaying 100 % ovicidal action while at the concentrations of 1.25 and 2.5 %, the inhibition rates were 20 and 60 %, respectively. In LPT, the extract caused 100 % mortality of larvae in the concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 % after 24 h while at the concentrations of 1.25 and 2.5 %, the mortality rates were 54.3 and 96.7 %, respectively. The LC50 (CI) and LC95 (CI) values were determined to be 1.11 % (1.099-1.121) and 2.37 % (2.328-2.423), respectively. The results show that the extract of A. absinthium has acaricidal properties and could be useful in controlling R. sanguineus which is an efficient vector of pathogens both in dogs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Godara
- Division of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, R.S. Pura, 181 102, Jammu, India
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Efficacy and pharmacokinetics of OZ78 and MT04 against a natural infection with Fasciola hepatica in sheep. Vet Parasitol 2013; 198:102-10. [PMID: 24011678 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Fasciolosis is a parasitosis caused by the food-borne trematode Fasciola spp. of major veterinary significance. Triclabendazole is the first line treatment in humans and animals but cases of resistance are spreading worldwide. The synthetic peroxides OZ78 and MT04 are lead compounds for the treatment of fasciolosis. In the present study we investigated the efficacy and drug disposition following a single intramuscular dose of 100 mg/kg OZ78 and MT04 in sheep harbouring a natural Fasciola hepatica infection. A liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated to quantify plasma and bile concentrations of both compounds. Plasma samples were analysed with an accuracy for OZ78 and MT04 from 91 to 115% and a precision lower than 8.9%. Bile samples displayed an accuracy between 92 and 101% and a precision up to 12.7%. Bile samples were collected at 0 and 6h post-administration. Plasma mean peak concentration was 11.1 μg/ml at 1.5 h for OZ78 and 4.8 μg/ml at 4.2 h for MT04. Mean AUC of OZ78 and MT04 was 6698 and 3567 μg min/ml, respectively. Bile concentration at 6h post-treatment was 1.0 μg/ml for OZ78 and 1.4 μg/ml for MT04. Treatment with OZ78 showed no effect on egg burden and adult worm counts in vivo, whereas MT04 displayed a significant egg count reduction of 98.5% and a worm burden reduction of 92%. In conclusion, our study reveals an excellent activity of MT04 against F. hepatica in naturally infected sheep and a first insight into its PK behaviour.
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Duthaler U, Huwyler J, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G, Keiser J. Evaluation of the pharmacokinetic profile of artesunate, artemether and their metabolites in sheep naturally infected with Fasciola hepatica. Vet Parasitol 2012; 186:270-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.11.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Revised: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Pharmacokinetics of the fasciocidal drug candidates MT04 and OZ78 in uninfected rats and in vitro pharmacodynamic studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2012; 2:121-5. [PMID: 24533273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2012.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Revised: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OZ78 and MT04 are promising drug candidates against fascioliasis (fasciolosis). We determined basic pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of OZ78 and MT04 in uninfected rats. Rats were treated with single oral doses of 50 mg/kg OZ78 or MT04. Blood samples were withdrawn at selected time points post treatment and the plasma concentrations were quantified by a validated liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) method. The LC/MS method for MT04 and OZ78, initially developed for sheep plasma analysis, was adapted for rat plasma. In vitro pharmacodynamic studies with Fasciola hepatica incubated in solutions of either test agent complemented our work. The adapted and validated method was precise and accurate to measure OZ78 and MT04 in rat plasma. Accuracies for MT04 ranged from 87.9% to 104.7% with precisions not exceeding 14.3%. Precisions for OZ78 were lower than 9.8% and accuracies were between 88.4% and 105.3%. Following oral administration, maximum plasma concentrations (C max) of MT04 and OZ78 were 49.8 and 70.1 μg/ml after 2.7 h and 1.6 h, respectively (p > 0.05). The estimated area under the plasma time curves (AUCs) were comparable for MT04 and OZ78. Mean elimination half-lives (t1/2) of MT04 and OZ78 covered a range from 1 to 7 h. In vitro studies demonstrated that the fasciocidal activity of MT04 and OZ78 was dependent on the incubation-time, with exposure of flukes for 24 h to the drugs not being sufficient to kill the worms. In conclusion, differences in PK parameters of MT04 and OZ78 were observed in rats. However, further studies (e.g. in infected rats) are necessary to characterize these drugs in greater detail.
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Rojo-Vázquez FA, Meana A, Valcárcel F, Martínez-Valladares M. Update on trematode infections in sheep. Vet Parasitol 2012; 189:15-38. [PMID: 22521973 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Trematode parasites live in the liver, fore stomachs or blood vessels of a wide range of animals and humans. Most of them have a special economic and veterinary significance. Liver fluke disease of sheep and other animal species is caused by the common liver fluke Fasciola hepatica. Hepatic fasciolosis occurs throughout the world, where climatic conditions are suitable for the survival of aquatic intermediate host snails. Also of importance for ruminants, in some parts of the world, are Fasciola gigantica and Fascioloides magna. Other trematodes infecting ruminants include Dicrocoelium dendriticum; Eurytrema pancreaticum and Eurytrema coelomaticum. Among the Paramphistomidae, some species can infect sheep and other ruminants. Finally, Schistosoma spp. are found in the blood vessels of ruminants and are of minor importance in temperate regions. The manuscript concentrates on trematode species of veterinary importance for domestic sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Rojo-Vázquez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain.
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23
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Toledo R, Esteban JG, Fried B. Current status of food-borne trematode infections. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 31:1705-18. [PMID: 22228314 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-011-1515-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/07/2011] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Food-borne trematodiases constitute an important group of the most neglected tropical diseases, not only in terms of research funding, but also in the public media. The Trematoda class contains a great number of species that infect humans and are recognized as the causative agents of disease. The biological cycle, geographical distribution, and epidemiology of most of these trematode species have been well characterized. Traditionally, these infections were limited, for the most part, in populations living in low-income countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, and were associated with poverty. However, the geographical limits and the population at risk are currently expanding and changing in relation to factors such as growing international markets, improved transportation systems, and demographic changes. The diagnosis of these diseases is based on parasitological techniques and only a limited number of drugs are currently available for treatment, most of which are unspecific. Therefore, in-depth studies are urgently needed in order to clarify the current epidemiology of these helminth infections and to identify new and specific targets for both effective diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we describe the biology, medical and epidemiological features, and current treatment and diagnostic tools of the main groups of flukes and the corresponding diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Toledo
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Av. Vicente Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
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Keiser J, Sayed H, el-Ghanam M, Sabry H, Anani S, el-Wakeel A, Hatz C, Utzinger J, el-Din SS, el-Maadawy W, Botros S. Efficacy and safety of artemether in the treatment of chronic fascioliasis in Egypt: exploratory phase-2 trials. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2011; 5:e1285. [PMID: 21909440 PMCID: PMC3167773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fascioliasis is an emerging zoonotic disease of considerable veterinary and public health importance. Triclabendazole is the only available drug for treatment. Laboratory studies have documented promising fasciocidal properties of the artemisinins (e.g., artemether). Methodology We carried out two exploratory phase-2 trials to assess the efficacy and safety of oral artemether administered at (i) 6×80 mg over 3 consecutive days, and (ii) 3×200 mg within 24 h in 36 Fasciola-infected individuals in Egypt. Efficacy was determined by cure rate (CR) and egg reduction rate (ERR) based on multiple Kato-Katz thick smears before and after drug administration. Patients who remained Fasciola-positive following artemether dosing were treated with single 10 mg/kg oral triclabendazole. In case of treatment failure, triclabendazole was re-administered at 20 mg/kg in two divided doses. Principal Findings CRs achieved with 6×80 mg and 3×200 mg artemether were 35% and 6%, respectively. The corresponding ERRs were 63% and nil, respectively. Artemether was well tolerated. A high efficacy was observed with triclabendazole administered at 10 mg/kg (16 patients; CR: 67%, ERR: 94%) and 20 mg/kg (4 patients; CR: 75%, ERR: 96%). Conclusions/Significance Artemether, administered at malaria treatment regimens, shows no or only little effect against fascioliasis, and hence does not represent an alternative to triclabendazole. The role of artemether and other artemisinin derivatives as partner drug in combination chemotherapy remains to be elucidated. Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica are two liver flukes that parasitize herbivorous large size mammals (e.g., sheep and cattle), as well as humans. A single drug is available to treat infections with Fasciola flukes, namely, triclabendazole. Recently, laboratory studies and clinical trials in sheep and humans suffering from acute fascioliasis have shown that artesunate and artemether (drugs that are widely used against malaria) also show activity against fascioliasis. Hence, we were motivated to assess the efficacy and safety of oral artemether in patients with chronic Fasciola infections. The study was carried out in Egypt and artemether administered according to two different malaria treatment regimens. Cure rates observed with 6×80 mg and 3×200 mg artemether were 35% and 6%, respectively. In addition, high efficacy was observed when triclabendazole, the current drug of choice against human fascioliasis, was administered to patients remaining Fasciola positive following artemether treatment. Concluding, monotherapy with artemether does not represent an alternative to triclabendazole against fascioliasis, but its role in combination chemotherapy regimen remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
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Ferreira JFS, Peaden P, Keiser J. In vitro trematocidal effects of crude alcoholic extracts of Artemisia annua, A. absinthium, Asimina triloba, and Fumaria officinalis: trematocidal plant alcoholic extracts. Parasitol Res 2011; 109:1585-92. [PMID: 21562762 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2418-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 04/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Trematode infections negatively affect human and livestock health, and threaten global food safety. The only approved human anthelmintics for trematodiasis are triclabendazole and praziquantel with no alternative drugs in sight. We tested six crude plant extracts against adult Schistosoma mansoni, Fasciola hepatica, and Echinostoma caproni in vitro. Mortality was best achieved by ethanolic extracts of Artemisia annua (sweet Annie), Asimina triloba (paw-paw), and Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) which, at 2 mg/mL, killed S. mansoni and E. caproni in 20 h or less (except for wormwood), F. hepatica between 16 and 23 h (sweet Annie), or 40 h (paw-paw). Some extracts were active at 0.2 mg/mL and 20 μg/mL, although more time was required to kill trematodes. However, aqueous A. annua and methanol extracts of Fumaria officinalis had no activity. Chromatographic analysis of the three best extracts established that A. annua and A. triloba extracts contained bioactive artemisinin and acetogenins (asimicin and bullatacin), respectively. The anthelmintic activity of our extracts at such low doses indicates that their anthelmintic activity deserves further testing as natural alternative controls for parasites of both animals and humans. Our results also support recent evidence that synergistic effects of multiple bioactive compounds present in crude plant extracts is worth exploring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge F S Ferreira
- USDA-ARS, Appalachian Farming Systems Research Center, 1224 Airport Rd., Beaver, WV 25813, USA.
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Cringoli G, Rinaldi L, Maurelli MP, Morgoglione ME, Musella V, Utzinger J. Ancylostoma caninum: Calibration and comparison of diagnostic accuracy of flotation in tube, McMaster and FLOTAC in faecal samples of dogs. Exp Parasitol 2011; 128:32-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2011.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2010] [Revised: 11/24/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Chagas ACDS, Georgetti CS, Carvalho COD, Oliveira MCDS, Rodrigues RA, Foglio MA, Magalhães PMD. In vitro activity of Artemisia annua L (Asteraceae) extracts against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2011; 20:31-5. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612011000100007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Accepted: 11/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The activity of plant extracts on parasites may indicate groups of substances that are potentially useful for controlling Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro action of Artemisia annua extracts on this tick. The concentrations of the sesquiterpene lactones artemisinin and deoxyartemisinin present in plant extracts were quantified via high-performance liquid chromatography. Four extracts produced from the concentrated crude extract (CCE) were evaluated on larvae using the impregnated paper method, with readings after 24 hours of incubation. The engorged females were immersed in the CCE and in its four derived extracts for five minutes, with incubation for subsequent analysis of biological parameters. The extracts were not effective on the larvae at the concentrations tested (3.1 to 50 mg.mL-1). The CCE showed greater efficacy on engorged females (EC50 of 130.6 mg.mL-1 and EC90 of 302.9 mg.mL-1) than did the derived extracts. These results tend to confirm that the action of artemisinin on engorged females of R.(B.) microplus is conditional to their blood intake. In this case, in vitro methods would be inadequate for effective evaluation of the action of A. annua on R. (B.) microplus.
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Duthaler U, Keiser J, Huwyler J. Development and validation of a liquid chromatography and ion spray tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of artesunate, artemether and their major metabolites dihydroartemisinin and dihydroartemisinin-glucuronide in sheep plasma. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2011; 46:172-181. [PMID: 21259399 DOI: 10.1002/jms.1883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2010] [Accepted: 12/11/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Recently, promising fasciocidal activities of artesunate and artemether were described in rats and sheep. Therefore, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed to quantify artesunate, artemether and their metabolites dihydroartemisinin and dihydroartemisinin-glucuronide in sheep plasma. Protein precipitation with methanol was used for sample workup. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed using an Atlantis C18 analytical column with a mobile phase gradient system of ammonium formate and acetonitrile. The analytes were detected by MS/MS using selected reaction monitoring (SRM) with electrospray ionisation in the positive mode (transition m/z 267.4 → 163.0). The analytical range for dihydroartemisinin, dihydroartemisinin-glucuronide and artesunate was 10-1000 ng/ml and for artemether 90-3000 ng/ml with a lower limit of quantification of 10 and 90 ng/ml, respectively. Inter- and intra-day accuracy and precision deviations were < 10%. Consistent relative recoveries (60-80%) were observed over the investigated calibration range for all analytes. All analytes were stable in the autosampler for at least 30 h (6 °C) and after three freeze and thaw cycles. The validation results demonstrated that the LC-MS/MS method is precise, accurate and selective and can be used for the determination of the artemisinins in sheep plasma. The method was applied successfully to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of artesunate and its metabolites in plasma of intramuscularly treated sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urs Duthaler
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
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Moore CM, Hoey EM, Trudgett A, Timson DJ. Artemisinins act through at least two targets in a yeast model. FEMS Yeast Res 2010; 11:233-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1567-1364.2010.00706.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Fasciola hepatica: Comparison of the sedimentation and FLOTAC techniques for the detection and quantification of faecal egg counts in rats. Exp Parasitol 2010; 126:161-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2010] [Revised: 02/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of 1,2,4-trioxolane OZ78 against an experimental infection with Fasciola hepatica in sheep. Vet Parasitol 2010; 173:228-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2010] [Revised: 06/13/2010] [Accepted: 06/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Squires JM, Ferreira JFS, Lindsay DS, Zajac AM. Effects of artemisinin and Artemisia extracts on Haemonchus contortus in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Vet Parasitol 2010; 175:103-8. [PMID: 20943323 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2010] [Revised: 09/06/2010] [Accepted: 09/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Haemonchus contortus is a blood-sucking abomasal parasite of small ruminants that is responsible for major losses to producers worldwide. Resistance of this nematode to commercial anthelmintics has produced a demand for alternative control methods. Plants in the genus Artemisia have traditionally been used as anthelmintics and whole plants and plant extracts have demonstrated activity against gastrointestinal nematodes in several studies. In addition, Artemisia annua is the sole commercial source of artemisinin, the raw material used to produce drugs effective against the hemoprotozoan malaria parasites (Plasmodium species). Artemisinin derivatives have also shown efficacy against some trematodes, including Fasciola hepatica and Schistosoma species. In this study, artemisinin was tested for efficacy against H. contortus in a gerbil model of infection. Also tested in the gerbil model were an aqueous extract, an ethanolic extract and the essential oil of A. annua, and an ethanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium. In all experiments, gerbils were infected with 600 third-stage H. contortus larvae. In experiment 1, gerbils were treated orally with 400 milligrams per kilogram body weight (mg/kg BW) artemisinin once or 200mg/kg BW artemisinin daily for 5 days (Days 4-8 post-infection). In experiment 2, gerbils were treated daily for 5 days with 600 mg/kg BW of A. annua ethanolic or aqueous extract. In Experiment 3, gerbils were treated with 1000 mg/kg BW of A. annua or A. absinthium ethanolic extract or with 300 mg/kg BW of A. annua essential oil daily for five consecutive days (Days 4-8 post-infection). No significant effects of treatment were seen with artemisinin or any of the Artemisia species extracts at the dosages studied. The non-ionic surfactant Labrosol(®) was an effective nontoxic solvent for delivery of hydrophilic plant extracts and the lipophilic essential oil used in the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill M Squires
- Department of Biomedical Science and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0442, USA
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In vivo and in vitro sensitivity of Fasciola hepatica to triclabendazole combined with artesunate, artemether, or OZ78. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2010; 54:4596-604. [PMID: 20733042 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00828-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Triclabendazole resistance is continually documented from livestock, and hence new treatment strategies for Fasciola hepatica infections are needed. We investigated the effect of triclabendazole combined with artesunate, artemether, or OZ78 compared to that of monotherapy against adult and juvenile F. hepatica in rats. In vitro experiments with triclabendazole and its sulfoxide and sulfone metabolites, each in combination with the peroxides, complemented our study. F. hepatica-infected rats were subjected to single drugs or drug combinations 3 to 4 weeks (juvenile flukes) and >8 weeks (adult flukes) postinfection. Negative binomial regressions of worm and egg counts were used to analyze dose-response relationships and whether the effects of drug combinations were synergistic or antagonistic. The in vitro assays were evaluated by means of viability scales based on fluke motility. Fifty percent effective dose values of 113.0, 77.7, 22.9, and 2.7 mg/kg of body weight were calculated for monotherapy with artesunate, artemether, OZ78, and triclabendazole, respectively, against adult F. hepatica. Likelihood ratio tests revealed synergistic interactions (P < 0.05) of combinations of triclabendazole (2.5 mg/kg) plus artesunate or artemether on adult worm burden. Antagonistic effects on the adult burden and egg output were observed when a lower triclabendazole dose (1.25 mg/kg) was combined with the artemisinins. No significant interactions (P = 0.07) were observed for OZ78 and triclabendazole combinations and between the triclabendazole effect and the effects of the other partner drugs on juvenile worms. Our in vitro studies of adult worms agreed with the in vivo results, while the in vitro analysis of juvenile worms revealed greater interactions than observed in vivo. In conclusion, single-agent triclabendazole demonstrated a more potent in vivo and in vitro fasciocidal activity than the experimental drugs artesunate, artemether, and OZ78. When combined, synergistic but also antagonistic effects depending on the doses administered were observed, which should be elucidated in more detail in future studies.
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Fasciola gigantica: Parasitological and scanning electron microscopy study of the in vitro effects of ivermectin and/or artemether. Exp Parasitol 2010; 124:279-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2009.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2009] [Revised: 10/12/2009] [Accepted: 10/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Cringoli G, Rinaldi L, Maurelli MP, Utzinger J. FLOTAC: new multivalent techniques for qualitative and quantitative copromicroscopic diagnosis of parasites in animals and humans. Nat Protoc 2010; 5:503-15. [DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2009.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Keiser J, Veneziano V, Rinaldi L, Mezzino L, Duthaler U, Cringoli G. Anthelmintic activity of artesunate against Fasciola hepatica in naturally infected sheep. Res Vet Sci 2010; 88:107-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2009.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2008] [Revised: 03/17/2009] [Accepted: 05/11/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis and food-borne trematodiases are chronic parasitic diseases affecting millions of people mostly in the developing world. Additional drugs should be developed as only few drugs are available for treatment and drug resistance might emerge. In vitro and in vivo whole parasite screens represent essential components of the trematodicidal drug discovery cascade. This review describes the current state-of-the-art of in vitro and in vivo screening systems of the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni, the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica and the intestinal fluke Echinostoma caproni. Examples of in vitro and in vivo evaluation of compounds for activity are presented. To boost the discovery pipeline for these diseases there is a need to develop validated, robust high-throughput in vitro systems with simple readouts.
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Efficacy of artesunate and artemether against Clonorchis sinensis in rabbits. Parasitol Res 2009; 106:153-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1641-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 09/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Abstract
An estimated 750 million people are at risk of infections with food-borne trematodes, which comprise liver flukes (Clonorchis sinensis, Fasciola gigantica, Fasciola hepatica, Opisthorchis felineus, and Opisthorchis viverrini), lung flukes (Paragonimus spp.), and intestinal flukes (e.g., Echinostoma spp., Fasciolopsis buski, and the heterophyids). Food-borne trematodiases pose a significant public health and economic problem, yet these diseases are often neglected. In this review, we summarize the taxonomy, morphology, and life cycle of food-borne trematodes. Estimates of the at-risk population and number of infections, geographic distribution, history, and ecological features of the major food-borne trematodes are reviewed. We summarize clinical manifestations, patterns of infection, and current means of diagnosis, treatment, and other control options. The changing epidemiological pattern and the rapid growth of aquaculture and food distribution networks are highlighted, as these developments might be associated with an elevated risk of transmission of food-borne trematodiases. Current research needs are emphasized.
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Adult triclabendazole-resistant Fasciola hepatica: morphological changes in the tegument and gut following in vivo treatment with artemether in the rat model. J Helminthol 2009; 83:151-63. [PMID: 19368748 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x09344934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A study has been carried out to determine the morphological changes to the adult liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica after treatment in vivo with artemether. Rats were infected with the triclabendazole-resistant Sligo isolate of F. hepatica, dosed orally with artemether at a concentration of 200 mg/kg and flukes recovered at 24, 48 and 72 h post-treatment (p.t.). Surface changes were monitored by scanning electron microscopy and fine structural changes to the tegument and gut by transmission electron microscopy. Twenty-four hours p.t., the external surface showed minor disruption, in the form of mild swelling of the tegument. The tegumental syncytium and sub-tegumental tissues appeared relatively normal. Forty-eight and seventy-two hours p.t., disruption to the tegumental system increased, with isolated patches of surface blebbing and reduced production of secretory bodies by the tegumental cells being the main changes seen. The gastrodermal cells showed a relatively normal morphology 24 h p.t. By 48 h, large numbers of autophagic vacuoles and lipid droplets were present. Autophagy increased in magnitude by 72 h p.t. and substantial disruption to the granular endoplasmic reticulum was observed. Results from this study show that flukes treated in vivo with artemether display progressive and time-dependent alterations to the tegument and gut. Disruption to the gut was consistently and substantially more severe than that to the tegument, suggesting that an oral route of uptake for this compound predominates. This is the first study providing ultrastructural information on the effect of an artemisinin compound against liver fluke.
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Keiser J, Gruyer MS, Perrottet N, Zanolari B, Mercier T, Decosterd L. Pharmacokinetic parameters of artesunate and dihydroartemisinin in rats infected with Fasciola hepatica. J Antimicrob Chemother 2009; 63:543-9. [PMID: 19168863 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkn550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of artesunate, recently discovered to possess promising trematocidal activity, and its main metabolite dihydroartemisinin (DHA) were determined in rats infected with hepatic and biliary stages of Fasciola hepatica and compared with uninfected rats after single intragastric and intravenous (iv) doses. METHODS Rats infected with F. hepatica for 25 and 83 days and uninfected rats were cannulated in the right jugular vein and blood samples were withdrawn at selected timepoints following 10 mg/kg of iv and a single 100 mg/kg oral dose of artesunate. Plasma was analysed for artesunate and DHA by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Rats harbouring juvenile and adult F. hepatica infections revealed considerable changes in PK parameters of artesunate and DHA. Following oral administration, maximum plasma concentrations (C(max)) of artesunate and DHA were 1.8-2.3-fold higher in infected rats [artesunate: 1334 +/- 1404 ng/mL (no infection) versus 2454 +/- 1494 ng/mL (acute infection) and 2768 +/- 538 ng/mL (chronic infection); DHA: 3802 +/- 2149 ng/mL (no infection) versus 6507 +/- 3283 ng/mL (acute infection) and 9093 +/- 884 ng/mL (chronic infection)]. The AUCs of artesunate and DHA were 2.1-4.4-fold greater in infected rats. An opposite trend was observed after iv injection. C(max) and AUC of artesunate and DHA following iv dosing were 5784 +/- 3718 and 140 938 +/- 128 783 ng.min/mL and 3849 +/- 3060 and 86 107 +/- 41 863 ng.min/mL, respectively, in uninfected rats versus 2623 +/- 1554 and 21 617 +/- 12 230 ng.min/mL and 2835 +/- 980 and 64 290 +/- 29 057 ng.min/mL, respectively, in rats harbouring a chronic infection. The elimination half-lives (t(1/2)) of artesunate and DHA were considerably altered in infected rats following oral and iv administration of artesunate. CONCLUSIONS F. hepatica infections strongly influence the disposition kinetics of artesunate and its metabolite in rats. The clinical implications of this finding need to be carefully studied.
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