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Dantas AMC, Teixeira FS, Oblitas RL, Araújo WWR, Amaro MC, Cajas RA, de Moraes J, Salvadori MC. Atomic force microscopy reveals morphological and mechanical properties of schistosoma mansoni tegument. Sci Rep 2024; 14:23055. [PMID: 39367249 PMCID: PMC11452522 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-74056-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni, an intravascular parasitic worm and the causative agent of schistosomiasis, relies on its tegument (outer layer) for survival and host interaction. This study explored the morphology and mechanical properties of S. mansoni tegument using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Notably, we employed the PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping (PF-QNM) mode in air, enabling simultaneous acquisition of 3D topography and mechanical property contrasts (adhesion, elastic modulus). Additionally, nanoindentation (AFM contact mode) was performed on female worm tegument for elastic modulus measurement. Both techniques revealed an elastic modulus range of fractions or units of GPa for the tegument. Interestingly, mechanical property maps, particularly adhesion contrast, displayed a recurring pattern of light and dark bands. We also measured the depth of annular furrows on the female tegument, finding an average of 128 ± 10 nm. These findings establish AFM, particularly PF-QNM, as a valuable tool to characterize S. mansoni tegument properties, offering insights for future investigations into parasite biology and its response to immunological or pharmacological challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriane M C Dantas
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508090, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda S Teixeira
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508090, SP, Brazil
| | - Raissa L Oblitas
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508090, SP, Brazil
| | - Wagner W R Araújo
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508090, SP, Brazil
| | - Monique C Amaro
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, 07023‑070, SP, Brazil
| | - Rayssa A Cajas
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, 07023‑070, SP, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, 07023‑070, SP, Brazil.
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Doenças Negligenciadas, Instituto Científico e Tecnológico, Universidade Brasil, São Paulo, 08230-030, SP, Brazil.
| | - Maria C Salvadori
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508090, SP, Brazil.
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Ziętal K, Mirowska-Guzel D, Nowaczyk A, Blecharz-Klin K. Cnicus benedictus: Folk Medicinal Uses, Biological Activities, and In Silico Screening of Main Phytochemical Constituents. PLANTA MEDICA 2024; 90:976-991. [PMID: 39265629 DOI: 10.1055/a-2401-6049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Traditional medicine has long recognized the therapeutic potential of Cnicus benedictus, and recent scientific research has shed light on the pharmacological properties of this plant. The bioactive compounds that can be extracted from it, such as the sesquiterpene lactones arctigenin, arctiin, and cnicin, are very interesting to researchers.In this article, based on available data from pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo studies, we delve into the pharmacology of the active constituents of this plant to explore its potential therapeutic applications and underlying mechanisms of action. In addition, we present a computer analysis designed to reveal the pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of the main phytochemicals that are active in C. benedictus through new in silico techniques and predictive tools such as SwissADME and PubChem.The data from the in silico study presented here support the traditional use of C. benedictus, as well as its promise as a source of new therapeutic chemical compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Ziętal
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Dagmara Mirowska-Guzel
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Alicja Nowaczyk
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Kamilla Blecharz-Klin
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
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Nafie EH, Abou-Gamra MM, Mossalem HS, Sarhan RM, Hammam OA, Nasr SM, Anwar MM. Evaluation of the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacies of mucus and tissue nucleoproteins extracted from Biomphalaria alexandrina snails on schistosomiasis mansoni. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:551-569. [PMID: 39145357 PMCID: PMC11319553 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01692-0] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease with considerable morbidity. The lone effective drug, praziquantel (PZQ), is showing emergence of drug resistance hence, searching for new supportive treatment is crucial. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of mucus and nucleoproteins (NPs) extracted from Biomphalaria alexandrina (B. alexandrina) snails on miracidia, cercariae and Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) adults in vitro and assess their experimental in vivo effect through parasitological, histopathological, and biochemical parameters. The in vivo study included 90 male Swiss albino mice. Mice were grouped into 9 groups; G1-G5 were infected and treated with; GI: PZQ, GII: mucus, GIII: combined PZQ and mucus, GIV: NPs, GV: combined PZQ and NPs. Control groups; C1: Non infected non treated (negative control), C2: Infected non treated (positive control), C3: Non infected mucus treated and C4: Non infected NPs treated. The in vitro study proved that the mucus had a better lethal effect on cercariae than miracidia, while NPs had better lethal effect on miracidia. The mucus lethal effect on adults surpassed the NPs as 100% and 60%, respectively. The in vivo study proved that the combined NPs or mucus with PZQ added to the effect of individual PZQ resulting in 100% total worm burden (TWB) reduction. As regard oxidative stress markers, the lowest level of nitric oxide (NO) was shown with combined PZQ and NPs. While, the highest glutathione (GSH) level was produced by individual PZQ. The study concluded that mucus and NPs of B. alexandrina had cercaricidal, miracidicidal and anti-schistosomal effect in vitro and that their combination could be considered a contribution to PZQ potentiality in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa H. Nafie
- Departments of Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Ramsis St., Abbassia, Cairo, 11566 Egypt
| | - Maha M. Abou-Gamra
- Departments of Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Ramsis St., Abbassia, Cairo, 11566 Egypt
| | - Hanan S. Mossalem
- Departments of Medical Malacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, El-Nile St., Warrak El-Hader, P.O. BOX 30, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rania M. Sarhan
- Departments of Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Ramsis St., Abbassia, Cairo, 11566 Egypt
| | - Olfat A. Hammam
- Departments of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, El-Nile St., Warrak El-Hader, P.O. BOX 30, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sami M. Nasr
- Departments of Biochemistry, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, El-Nile St., Warrak El-Hader, P.O. BOX 30, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona M. Anwar
- Departments of Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Ramsis St., Abbassia, Cairo, 11566 Egypt
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Almeida Júnior ASD, Freitas Viana Leal MM, Marques DSC, Silva ALD, Souza Bezerra RD, Siqueira de Souza YF, Mendonça Silveira ME, Santos FA, Alves LC, de Lima Aires A, Cruz Filho IJD, do Carmo Alves de Lima M. Therapeutic potential of hydantoin and thiohydantoin compounds against Schistosoma mansoni: An integrated in vitro, DNA, ultrastructural, and ADMET in silico approach. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2024; 260:111646. [PMID: 38950658 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2024.111646] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The study aimed to conduct in vitro biological assessments of hydantoin and thiohydantoin compounds against mature Schistosoma mansoni worms, evaluate their cytotoxic effects and predict their pharmacokinetic parameters using computational methods. The compounds showed low in vitro cytotoxicity and were not considered hemolytic. Antiparasitic activity against adult S. mansoni worms was tested with all compounds at concentrations ranging from 200 to 6.25 μM. Compounds SC01, SC02, and SC03 exhibited low activity. Compounds SC04, SC05, SC06 and SC07 caused 100 % mortality within 24 h of incubation at a concentration of 100 and 200 μM. Thiohydantoin SC04 exhibited the highest activity, resulting in 100 % mortality after 24 h of incubation at a concentration of 50 μM and IC50 of 28 µM. In the ultrastructural analysis (SEM), the compound SC04 (200 µM) induced integumentary changes, formation of integumentary blisters, and destruction of tubercles and spicules. Therefore, the SC04 compound shows promise as an antiparasitic against S. mansoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antônio Sérgio de Almeida Júnior
- Department of Antibiotics, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50740-600, Brazil
| | - Mayse Manuele Freitas Viana Leal
- Department of Antibiotics, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50740-600, Brazil
| | - Diego Santa Clara Marques
- Department of Antibiotics, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50740-600, Brazil.
| | - Anekécia Lauro da Silva
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Vale do Rio São Francisco (UNIVASF), Avenida da Amizade, s/n, Sal Torrado, Paulo Afonso, BA 48605-780, Brazil
| | - Rafael de Souza Bezerra
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Vale do Rio São Francisco (UNIVASF), Avenida da Amizade, s/n, Sal Torrado, Paulo Afonso, BA 48605-780, Brazil
| | - Yandra Flaviana Siqueira de Souza
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Vale do Rio São Francisco (UNIVASF), Avenida da Amizade, s/n, Sal Torrado, Paulo Afonso, BA 48605-780, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduardade Mendonça Silveira
- Department of Antibiotics, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50740-600, Brazil
| | - Fábio Ab Santos
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute. Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IAM-FIOCRUZ), Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50670-420, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos Alves
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute. Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IAM-FIOCRUZ), Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50670-420, Brazil
| | - André de Lima Aires
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50740-600, Brazil
| | - Iranildo José da Cruz Filho
- Department of Antibiotics, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50740-600, Brazil
| | - Maria do Carmo Alves de Lima
- Department of Antibiotics, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50740-600, Brazil
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Costa DDS, Leal CM, Cajas RA, Gazolla MC, Silva LM, Carvalho LSAD, Lemes BL, Moura ROD, Almeida JD, de Moraes J, da Silva Filho AA. Antiparasitic properties of 4-nerolidylcatechol from Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq. (Piperaceae) in vitro and in mice models with either prepatent or patent Schistosoma mansoni infections. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 313:116607. [PMID: 37149066 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Roots of Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq. are used in traditional medicine of Africa and South America for the treatment of malaria and helminthiasis. However, neither P. umbellata nor its isolated compounds have been evaluated against Schistosoma species. AIMS OF THIS STUDY To investigate the antischistosomal effects of P. umbellata root extracts and the isolated compound 4-nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) against Schistosoma mansoni ex vivo and in murine models of schistosomiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The crude hydroalcoholic (PuE) and hexane (PuH) extracts of P. umbellata roots were prepared and initially submitted to an ex vivo phenotypic screening against adult S. mansoni. PuH was analyzed by HPLC-DAD, characterized by UHPLC-HRMS/MS, and submitted to chromatographic fractionation, leading to the isolation of 4-NC. The anthelmintic properties of 4-NC were assayed ex vivo against adult schistosomes and in murine models of schistosomiasis for both patent and prepatent S. mansoni infections. Praziquantel (PZQ) was used as a reference compound. RESULTS PuE (EC50: 18.7 μg/mL) and PuH (EC50: 9.2 μg/mL) kill adult schistosomes ex vivo. The UHPLC-HRMS/MS analysis of PuH, the most active extract, revealed the presence of 4-NC, peltatol A, and peltatol B or C. After isolation from PuH, 4-NC presented remarkable in vitro schistosomicidal activity with EC50 of 2.9 μM (0.91 μg/mL) and a selectivity index higher than 68 against Vero mammalian cells, without affecting viability of nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In patent S. mansoni infection, the oral treatment with 4-NC decreased worm burden and egg production in 52.1% and 52.3%, respectively, also reducing splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. 4-NC, unlike PZQ, showed in vivo efficacy against juvenile S. mansoni, decreasing worm burden in 52.4%. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that P. umbellata roots possess antischistosomal activity, giving support for the medicinal use of this plant against parasites. 4-NC was identified from P. umbellata roots as one of the effective in vitro and in vivo antischistosomal compound and as a potential lead for the development of novel anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo de Souza Costa
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Carla Monteiro Leal
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Rayssa A Cajas
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil.
| | - Matheus Coutinho Gazolla
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Lívia Mara Silva
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Lara Soares Aleixo de Carvalho
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Bruna L Lemes
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil.
| | - Renato Oliveira de Moura
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Juliana de Almeida
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil.
| | - Ademar A da Silva Filho
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
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Brito JR, Wilairatana P, Roquini DB, Parra BC, Gonçalves MM, Souza DCS, Ferreira EA, Salvadori MC, Teixeira FS, Lago JHG, de Moraes J. Neolignans isolated from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae) exhibit efficacy against Schistosoma mansoni. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19320. [PMID: 36369516 PMCID: PMC9652300 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23110-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by the blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma, affects over 230 million people, especially in developing countries. Despite the significant economic and public health consequences, only one drug is currently available for treatment of schistosomiasis, praziquantel. Thus, there is an urgent demand for new anthelmintic agents. Based on our continuous studies involving the chemical prospection of floristic biodiversity aiming to discover new bioactive compounds, this work reports the in vitro antiparasitic activity against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms of neolignans threo-austrobailignan-6 and verrucosin, both isolated from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae). These neolignans showed a significant in vitro schistosomicidal activity, with EC50 values of 12.6-28.1 µM. Further analysis revealed a pronounced reduction in the number of S. mansoni eggs. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed morphological alterations when schistosomes were exposed to either threo-austrobailignan-6 or verrucosin. These relevant antischistosomal properties were accompanied by low cytotoxicity potential against the animal (Vero) and human (HaCaT) cell lines, resulting in a high selectivity index. Considering the promising chemical and biological properties of threo-austrobailignan-6 and verrucosin, this research should be of interest to those in the area of neglected diseases and in particular antischistosomal drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana R Brito
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, SP, 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Daniel B Roquini
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Beatriz C Parra
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Marina M Gonçalves
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210-180, Brazil
| | - Dalete Christine S Souza
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210-180, Brazil
| | - Edgard A Ferreira
- School of Engineering, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo, SP, 01302-907, Brazil
| | - Maria C Salvadori
- Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Fernanda S Teixeira
- Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - João Henrique G Lago
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210-180, Brazil.
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil.
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Bottoni M, Milani F, Galimberti PM, Vignati L, Romanini PL, Lavezzo L, Martinetti L, Giuliani C, Fico G. Ca' Granda, Hortus simplicium: Restoring an Ancient Medicinal Garden of XV-XIX Century in Milan (Italy). Molecules 2021; 26:6933. [PMID: 34834025 PMCID: PMC8620247 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This work is based on the study of 150 majolica vases dated back to the mid XVII century that once preserved medicinal remedies prepared in the ancient Pharmacy annexed to the Ospedale Maggiore Ca' Granda in Milan (Lombardy, Italy). The Hortus simplicium was created in 1641 as a source of plant-based ingredients for those remedies. The main objective of the present work is to lay the knowledge base for the restoration of the ancient Garden for educational and informative purposes. Therefore, the following complementary phases were carried out: (i) the analysis of the inscriptions on the jars, along with the survey on historical medical texts, allowing for the positive identification of the plant ingredients of the remedies and their ancient use as medicines; (ii) the bibliographic research in modern pharmacological literature in order to validate or refute the historical uses; (iii) the realization of the checklist of plants potentially present in cultivation at the ancient Garden, concurrently with the comparison with the results of a previous in situ archaeobotanical study concerning pollen grains. For the species selection, considerations were made also regarding drug amounts in the remedies and pedoclimatic conditions of the study area. Out of the 150 vases, 108 contained plant-based remedies, corresponding to 148 taxa. The remedies mainly treated gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. At least one of the medicinal uses was validated in scientific literature for 112 out of the 148 examined species. Finally, a checklist of 40 taxa, presumably hosted in the Hortus simplicium, was assembled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Bottoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (P.L.R.); (L.L.); (G.F.)
- Ghirardi Botanic Garden, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Religione 25, 25088 Toscolano Maderno, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Milani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (P.L.R.); (L.L.); (G.F.)
- Ghirardi Botanic Garden, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Religione 25, 25088 Toscolano Maderno, Italy
| | - Paolo M. Galimberti
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 28, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Lucia Vignati
- Landscape Ecomuseum of Parabiago, P.za della Vittoria 7, 20015 Milan, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Luise Romanini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (P.L.R.); (L.L.); (G.F.)
- Ghirardi Botanic Garden, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Religione 25, 25088 Toscolano Maderno, Italy
| | - Luca Lavezzo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (P.L.R.); (L.L.); (G.F.)
- Ghirardi Botanic Garden, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Religione 25, 25088 Toscolano Maderno, Italy
| | - Livia Martinetti
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Claudia Giuliani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (P.L.R.); (L.L.); (G.F.)
- Ghirardi Botanic Garden, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Religione 25, 25088 Toscolano Maderno, Italy
| | - Gelsomina Fico
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (P.L.R.); (L.L.); (G.F.)
- Ghirardi Botanic Garden, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Religione 25, 25088 Toscolano Maderno, Italy
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de Carvalho LSA, Silva LM, de Souza VC, da Silva MPN, Capriles PVSZ, de Faria Pinto P, de Moraes J, Da Silva Filho AA. Cardamonin Presents in Vivo Activity against Schistosoma mansoni and Inhibits Potato Apyrase. Chem Biodivers 2021; 18:e2100604. [PMID: 34608744 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202100604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma species, harms over 250 million people in several countries. The treatment is achieved with only one drug, praziquantel. Cardamonin, a natural chalcone with in vitro schistosomicidal activity, has not been in vivo evaluated against Schistosoma. In this work, we evaluated the in vivo schistosomicidal activities of cardamonin against Schistosoma mansoni worms and conducted enzymatic apyrase inhibition assay, as well as molecular docking analysis of cardamonin against potato apyrase, S. mansoni NTPDase 1 and S. mansoni NTPDase 2. In a mouse model of schistosomiasis, the oral treatment with cardamonin (400 mg/kg) showed efficacy against S. mansoni, decreasing the total worm load in 46.8 % and reducing in 54.5 % the number of eggs in mice. Cardamonin achieved a significant inhibition of the apyrase activity and the three-dimensional structure of the potato apyrase, obtained by homology modeling, showed that cardamonin may interact mainly through hydrogen bonds. Molecular docking studies corroborate with the action of cardamonin in binding and inhibiting both potato apyrase and S. mansoni NTPDases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Soares Aleixo de Carvalho
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil
| | - Lívia Mara Silva
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Carius de Souza
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Modelagem Computacional, Departamento de Ciência da Computação, ICE, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil
| | | | - Priscila V S Z Capriles
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Modelagem Computacional, Departamento de Ciência da Computação, ICE, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil
| | - Priscila de Faria Pinto
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, SP, 07025-000, Brazil
| | - Ademar Alves Da Silva Filho
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil
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Carnaúba PU, Mengarda AC, Rodrigues VC, Morais TR, de Oliveira A, Lago JHG, de Moraes J. Evaluation of Gibbilimbol B, Isolated from Piper malacophyllum (Piperaceae), as an Antischistosomal Agent. Chem Biodivers 2021; 18:e2100503. [PMID: 34418297 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202100503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Infections caused by parasitic worms impose a considerable worldwide health burden. One of the most impactful is schistosomiasis, a disease caused by blood-dwelling of the genus Schistosoma that affects more than 230 million people worldwide. Since praziquantel has also been extensively used to treat schistosomiasis and other parasitic flatworm infections, there is an urgent need to identify novel anthelmintic compounds, mainly from natural sources. In this study, the hexane extract from roots of Piper malacophyllum (Piperaceae) showed to be mainly composed for gibbilimbol B by HPLC/ESI-HRMS. Based on this result, this compound was isolated by chromatographic steps and its structure was confirmed by NMR. In vitro bioassays showed that gibbilimbol B was more active than praziquantel against larval stage of S. mansoni, with effective concentrations of 50 % (EC50 ) and 90 % (EC90 ) values of 2.6 and 3.4 μM, respectively. Importantly, gibbilimbol B showed no cytotoxicity to mammalian cells at a concentration 190 times greater than the antiparasitic effect, giving support for the anthelmintic potential of gibbilimbol B as lead compound for novel antischistosomal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo U Carnaúba
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praça Tereza Cristina, 88, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Ana C Mengarda
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praça Tereza Cristina, 88, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Vinícius C Rodrigues
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praça Tereza Cristina, 88, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Thiago R Morais
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praça Tereza Cristina, 88, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Alberto de Oliveira
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. João Naves de Ávila, 2121, Uberlândia, MG, 38408-100, Brazil
| | - João Henrique G Lago
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Avenida dos Estados, 5001, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praça Tereza Cristina, 88, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil
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Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, and Antischistosomal Activity of Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott (Araceae) Leaf Extracts. Sci Pharm 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/scipharm89030031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
With a broad ethnopharmacological tradition in Brazil, Montrichardia linifera has been reported as a potent antirheumatic, antimicrobial, and antiprotozoan agent. However, there is a lack of studies on its effect on bacterial biofilm formation and Schistosoma mansoni worms. This study reports the effects of antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antischistosomal properties of leaf extracts of M. linifera. Phytochemical screening and identification of the main compounds of the extracts were performed. All the extracts evaluated showed antibacterial activity at the concentrations tested. We checked for the presence of flavonoids and derivatives of phenolic acids by the presence of spectra with bands characteristic of these classes in the sample analyzed. The antibacterial assays showed that the best MICs corresponded to 125 µg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 in all fractions. The ethanolic and methanolic extracts showed the ability to inhibit biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25123. For the antischistosomal activity, only the acetone and ethyl acetate extracts had a significant effect against helminths, with potent activity at a concentration of 50 µg/mL, killing 100% of the worms after 72 h of incubation. The M. linifera leaf extracts showed antibacterial activity, biofilm inhibition capacity, and anthelmintic activity against S. mansoni.
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Alhadrami HA, Sayed AM, Hassan HM, Youssif KA, Gaber Y, Moatasim Y, Kutkat O, Mostafa A, Ali MA, Rateb ME, Abdelmohsen UR, Gamaleldin NM. Cnicin as an Anti-SARS-CoV-2: An Integrated In Silico and In Vitro Approach for the Rapid Identification of Potential COVID-19 Therapeutics. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:542. [PMID: 34066998 PMCID: PMC8150330 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10050542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2019, it has remained a significant global threat, especially with the newly evolved variants. Despite the presence of different COVID-19 vaccines, the discovery of proper antiviral therapeutics is an urgent necessity. Nature is considered as a historical trove for drug discovery, especially in global crises. During our efforts to discover potential anti-SARS CoV-2 natural therapeutics, screening our in-house natural products and plant crude extracts library led to the identification of C. benedictus extract as a promising candidate. To find out the main chemical constituents responsible for the extract's antiviral activity, we utilized recently reported SARS CoV-2 structural information in comprehensive in silico investigations (e.g., ensemble docking and physics-based molecular modeling). As a result, we constructed protein-protein and protein-compound interaction networks that suggest cnicin as the most promising anti-SARS CoV-2 hit that might inhibit viral multi-targets. The subsequent in vitro validation confirmed that cnicin could impede the viral replication of SARS CoV-2 in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 1.18 µg/mL. Furthermore, drug-like property calculations strongly recommended cnicin for further in vivo and clinical experiments. The present investigation highlighted natural products as crucial and readily available sources for developing antiviral therapeutics. Additionally, it revealed the key contributions of bioinformatics and computer-aided modeling tools in accelerating the discovery rate of potential therapeutics, particularly in emergency times like the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani A. Alhadrami
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. BOX 80402, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Molecular Diagnostic Lab, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. BOX 80402, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Sayed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef 62513, Egypt; (A.M.S.); (H.M.H.)
| | - Hossam M. Hassan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef 62513, Egypt; (A.M.S.); (H.M.H.)
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62513, Egypt
| | - Khayrya A. Youssif
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information, Cairo 11865, Egypt;
| | - Yasser Gaber
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt;
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mutah University, Karak 61710, Jordan
| | - Yassmin Moatasim
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Virus, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt; (Y.M.); (O.K.); (A.M.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Omnia Kutkat
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Virus, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt; (Y.M.); (O.K.); (A.M.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Virus, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt; (Y.M.); (O.K.); (A.M.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Mohamed Ahmed Ali
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Virus, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt; (Y.M.); (O.K.); (A.M.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Mostafa E. Rateb
- School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK;
| | - Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, New Minia 61111, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Noha M. Gamaleldin
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo 11837, Egypt
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