Composition and antimalarial activity in vitro of volatile components of Lippia multiflora

Approaches for the Elimination of Microbial Contaminants from Lippia multiflora Mold. Leaves Intended for Tea Bagging and Evaluation of Formulation

Elimination of microorganisms from herbal products has been a major concern due to its implicated health risk to consumers. Drying of herbal materials has been employed for centuries to reduce the risk of contamination and spoilage. The present study adopted three drying approaches in an attempt to eliminate microorganisms from Lippia multiflora tea bag formulation. This study also evaluated the tea bags and optimized the extraction procedure. The L. multiflora leaves for tea bagging were air-dried and milled (A), oven-dried and milled (B), and microwaved (the milled air-dried leaves) (C). The moisture contents were determined at 105°C ± 2°C for 2 hours to constant weight. Phytochemical parameters such as phytochemical constituents, total water extractive, and pH were assessed. The microbial safety and quality of the L. multiflora tea bags were evaluated using the British Pharmacopoeia 2019 specifications. The uniformity of the mass of the formulated tea bags was also determined. Extraction from the Lippia tea bags was optimized. The results showed that using the approaches (A, B, and C) adopted for drying and processing, the moisture contents of the formulated tea bags were in the range of 9.75–10.71% ^w/_w. All the formulated tea bags contained reducing sugars, phenolic compounds, polyuronides, flavonoids, anthracenosides, alkaloids, saponins, and phytosterols. The pH range of the formulations was 7.11–7.54, whereas the total water extractive values were in the range of 19.12–20.41% ^w/_w. The one-way analysis of variance demonstrated no significant difference in the data obtained from the results from A, B, and C. The formulation from A was found to be unsafe for consumption due to unacceptable microbial contamination limits. Microbial load of the formulations from B and C were within the BP specifications. All the batches of the formulations passed the uniformity of mass test. An optimized extraction procedure was obtained when one tea bag was extracted in 250 mL of hot water within the specified time. L. multiflora leaves meant for tea bagging should be oven-dried or microwaved before tea bagging for safe consumption.

Functional Ingredients based on Nutritional Phenolics. A Case Study against Inflammation: Lippia Genus

Epidemiological studies have reported convincing evidence that natural dietary compounds may modify inflammation, it being an important event described in the pathophysiology of age-related infirmity. Among different dietary components, nutritional phenolics have demonstrated links to a lower risk of inflammation in the most common degenerative and chronic diseases. In this way, the healthy potential of phenolics against inflammation and the emergence of new functional ingredients have caused an enhancement of nutraceutical and functional food formulation. The present review focuses on: (a) nutritional phenolics and their effects on inflammation and (b) functional ingredients based on phenolic compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, the emerging interest in health-promoting products by consumers has caused an increase in the demand for functional products and nutraceuticals. Additionally, this review includes a case study of the Lippia genus, which has shown anti-inflammatory effects claiming to be a natural alternative for the management of this physiological disorder. This report is a practical tool for healthcare providers.

Chemical Composition and Cruzain Inhibitory Activity of Croton draco Bark Essential Oil from Monteverde, Costa Rica

American trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, is a great cause of human morbidity and mortality in the Neotropics. Although there is currently no effective treatment for this parasitic disease, a number of potential biochemical targets have been identified, including the cysteine protease cruzain. Croton draco Cham. & Schldl. (Euphorbiaceae), commonly known as sangre de drago, is used in traditional medicine for a number of maladies. In this study, Croton draco bark essential oil has been shown to inhibit the activity of cruzain. The bark oil has been analyzed by GC-MS and the major components found to be β-caryophyllene (31.9%), caryophyllene oxide (22.0%), 1,8-cineole (6.2%), and α-humulene (5.6%). The major components have been tested for cruzain inhibitory activity, but show minimal activity, so it is not clear if the activity of Croton draco bark oil is due to a synergistic effect of the essential oil components or due to very active minor components. Croton draco bark oil has also been tested for cytotoxic activity against a panel of human tumor cell lines, but shows little activity.

Volatile oil profile of some lamiaceous plants growing in Saudi Arabia and their biological activities

A comparative investigation of hydro-distilled essential oils from aerial parts of Mentha longifolia L. (ML), Mentha microphylla K.Koch (MM), Mentha australis R.Br. (MA), and Teucrium polium L. (TP) growing in Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia, was carried out. The total numbers of identified constituents were 22, 23, 14, and 20 in ML, MM, MA, and TP oils, representing 93.0, 99.3, 78.1, and 81.1% of the total oil composition, respectively. Pulegone (40.7%) and cineole (33.4%) were the major components in ML, whereas carvone (64.6%) was the major one in MM. Furthermore, β-linalool (22.9%) and α-terpineol (12%) were the major components in MA, whereas, (E)-3-caren-2-ol accounted for 12.1% in TP. The essential oils of TP and MA exhibited promising activities against Leishmania donovani promastigotes with IC50 values of 2.3 and 3.7 μg/mL, respectively. In contrast, MA essential oils exhibited antifungal activities towards Candida krusei and C. glabrata with IC50 values of 1 and 1.2 μg/mL, respectively.

Anti-Trichomonas vaginalis properties of the oil of Amomum tsao-ko and its major component, geraniol

CONTEXT

Trichomonosis, caused by the flagellate protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease (STD) and 5-nitroimidazole drugs are used for the treatment. However, a growing number of T. vaginalis isolates are resistant to these drugs, which make it becomes an urgent issue.

OBJECTIVE

The current study was designed to evaluate the anti-T. vaginalis activity of the essential oil from A. tsao-ko used in traditional Chinese medicine and as a spice and its main component, geraniol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-T. vaginalis activities of A. tsao-ko essential oil and geraniol were evaluated by the minimum lethal concentration (MLC) and 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) in vitro. The morphological changes of T. vaginalis were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, sub-MLC concentration treatment with sub-MLC A. tsao-ko essential oil and geraniol was also performed.

RESULTS

This study shows that MLC/IC50 of A. tsao-ko essential oil was 44.97 µg/ml/22.49 µg/ml for T. vaginalis isolate Tv1, and 89.93 µg/ml/44.97 µg/ml for T. vaginalis isolate Tv2. Those of geraniol were 342.96 µg/ml/171.48 µg/ml, respectively. After A. tsao-ko essential oil or geraniol treatment, obvious similar morphological changes of T. vaginalis were observed by TEM: the nuclear membrane was damaged, nuclei were dissolved, and the chromatin was accumulated; in the cytoplasm, numerous vacuoles appeared, rough endoplasmic reticulum dilated, the number of ribosomes were reduced, organelles disintegrated, the cell membrane was partially damaged, with cytoplasmic leakage, and cell disintegration was observed. The action time did not increase the effect of A. tsao-ko essential oil or geraniol against T. vaginalis, as no significant difference was observed after sub-MLC concentration treatment for 1, 3, and 5 h with A. tsao-ko essential oil and geraniol.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The study describes the first report on the activity and morphological changes of A. tsao-ko essential oil and geraniol against T. vaginalis. The results obtained herein presented new opportunities for antitrichomonal drugs.

Tipo de estaca e substrato na propagação vegetativa de Lippia gracilis Schauer

RESUMO: Lippia gracilis é uma planta nativa da Caatinga, rica em óleo essencial com atividade antimicrobiana. O trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito de diferentes tipos de estacas e substratos na propagação vegetativa de L. gracilis . O experimento foi montado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3, sendo 3 tipos de estacas (apical, mediana e basal) e 3 tipos de substratos (areia + húmus, argila + húmus e areia + argila + húmus), com 5 repetições cada. Aos 40 dias foram avaliadas: porcentagem de estacas brotadas e enraizadas, número médio de brotos, comprimento da maior raiz e biomassa seca dos brotos e raízes. Em todas as variáveis as estacas medianas e basais apresentaram melhores resultados do que as apicais. O substrato influenciou apenas na biomassa seca dos brotos, sendo o composto de argila + húmus superior ao areia + argila + húmus e igual, em significância, ao areia+ húmus.

Biomedical properties and potentiality of Lippia microphylla Cham. and its essential oils

Lippia microphylla Cham. (Verbenaceae) is an endemic underexploited Brazilian vegetal. This work reviewed the biological potentialities of Lippia microphylla, emphasizing the properties of essential oils (EOs) and analyzed scientific indicators about genus Lippia and L. microphylla. Databases from 1948 to the present were searched and a software (vantage point 7.1) associated with Derwent Innovation Index was used to identify the indicators of the genus Lippia, and biological activities and compounds in the L. macrophylla species. Ethnopharmacological records report use of L. microphylla leaves to treat gastrointestinal disorders, influenza, bronchitis, cough, nasal congestion, and sinusitis during vaporization, whose aromatic volatile oils are rich in monoterpenes, especially cineole, terpineol, and thymol. Other EOs have larvicidal activity on Aedes aegypti larvae, and antifungal, antibacterial and cytotoxic and antitumor action on human and murine cancer cells. Brazil is the country with more articles about Lippia species, but it deposited only 9 patents since 1993. Most of the publications about L. microphylla are concentrated in food and chemical sciences. This bioprospection helps to choice areas of interest for capital investment and to give support for Brazilian Institutions to establish cooperation and improve technological impact at the point of view of creation and innovation.

Anti-plasmodial and insecticidal activities of the essential oils of aromatic plants growing in the Mediterranean area

BACKGROUND

Sardinia is a Mediterranean area endemic for malaria up to the last century. During a screening study to evaluate the anti-plasmodial activity of some aromatic plants traditionally used in Sardinia, Myrtus communis (myrtle, Myrtaceae), Satureja thymbra (savory, Lamiaceae), and Thymus herba-barona (caraway thyme, Lamiaceae) were collected in three vegetative periods: before, during and after flowering.

METHODS

The essential oils were obtained by steam distillation, fractionated by silica gel column chromatography and analysed by GC-FID-MS. Total oil and three main fractions were tested on D10 and W2 strains of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. Larvicidal and adulticidal activities were tested on Anopheles gambiae susceptible strains.

RESULTS

The essential oil of savory, rich in thymol, was the most effective against P. falciparum with an inhibitory activity independent from the time of collection (IC50 17-26 μg/ml on D10 and 9-11 μg/ml on W2). Upon fractionation, fraction 1 was enriched in mono-sesquiterpenoid hydrocarbons; fraction 2 in thymol (73-83%); and fraction 3 contained thymol, carvacrol and terpinen-4-ol, with a different composition depending on the time of collection. Thymol-enriched fractions were the most active on both strains (IC50 20-22 μg/ml on D10 and 8-10 μg/ml on W2) and thymol was confirmed as mainly responsible for this activity (IC50 19.7 ± 3.0 and 10.6 ± 2.0 μg/ml on D10 and W2, respectively). The essential oil of S. thymbra L. showed also larvicidal and adulticidal activities. The larvicidal activity, expressed as LC50, was 0.15 ± 0.002; 0.21 ± 0.13; and 0.15 ± 0.09 μg/ml (mean ± sd) depending on the time of collection: before, during and after flowering, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence for the use of essential oils for treating malaria and fighting the vector at both the larval and adult stages. These findings open the possibility for further investigation aimed at the isolation of natural products with anti-parasitic properties.

Evaluation of antileishmanial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of essential oils extracted from plants issued from the leishmaniasis-endemic region of Sned (Tunisia)

In this study, we tested 10 essential oils (EOs) extracted from 10 plants issued from Sned region (Tunisia) to evaluate both their leishmanicidal effects against Leishmania major and L. infantum, and their cytotoxicity against murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 (ATCC, TIB-71). The antioxidant activity was also monitored by the DDPH method, while the chemical composition of active EO was assessed by GC-MS analysis. The results showed that the EOs obtained from Thymus hirtus sp. algeriensis (rich on monoterpenoids, especially linalool at 17.62% and camphor at 13.82%) is significantly active against both L. major and L. infantum, whereas Ruta chalepensis EO (rich on 2-undecanone at 84.28%) is only active against L. infantum. Both oil extracts showed low cytotoxicity towards murine macrophages. The characteristic ratios (IC₈₀ Raw264.7 cells/IC₅₀ L. infantum and IC₈₀ Raw264.7 cells/IC₅₀ L. major) were, respectively, 2.7 and 1.57 for T. hirtus sp. algeriensis, and 1.34 and 0.19 for R. chalepensis. However, when measuring the antioxidant effects (DDPH method), the two latter EOs presented a moderate 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate scavenging effects compared to EOs from Eucaliptus globulus, Pinus halepensis, Pituranthos tortuosus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Tetraclinis articulata or to BHT.

Helichrysum gymnocephalum essential oil: chemical composition and cytotoxic, antimalarial and antioxidant activities, attribution of the activity origin by correlations

Helichrysum gymnocephalum essential oil (EO) was prepared by hydrodistillation of its leaves and characterized by GC-MS and quantified by GC-FID. Twenty three compounds were identified. 1,8-Cineole (47.4%), bicyclosesquiphellandrene (5.6%), γ-curcumene (5.6%), α-amorphene (5.1%) and bicyclogermacrene (5%) were the main components. Our results confirmed the important chemical variability of H. gymnocephalum. The essential oil was tested in vitro for cytotoxic (on human breast cancer cells MCF-7), antimalarial (Plasmodium falciparum: FcB1-Columbia strain, chloroquine-resistant) and antioxidant (ABTS and DPPH assays) activities. H. gymnocephalum EO was found to be active against MCF-7 cells, with an IC(50) of 16 ± 2 mg/L. The essential oil was active against P. falciparum (IC(50) = 25 ± 1 mg/L). However, the essential oil exhibited a poor antioxidant activity in the DPPH (IC(50) value > 1,000 mg/L) and ABTS (IC(50) value = 1,487.67 ± 47.70 mg/L) assays. We have reviewed the existing results on the anticancer activity of essential oils on MCF-7 cell line and on their antiplasmodial activity against the P. falciparum. The aim was to establish correlations between the identified compounds and their biological activities (antiplasmodial and anticancer). β-Selinene (R² = 0.76), α-terpinolene (R² = 0.88) and aromadendrene (R² = 0.90) presented a higher relationship with the anti-cancer activity. However, only calamenene (R² = 0.70) showed a significant correlation for the antiplasmodial activity.

Chemical study and antimalarial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of Melaleuca armillaris (Sol Ex Gateau) Sm essential oil

This study investigated the chemical composition (by using gas chromatography/flame ionization detection and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, an antioxidant [1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl] [DPPH] radical-scavenging assay, and a 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate [ABTS] radical cation-scavenging assay) and the antimalarial and cytotoxic activities of essential oil extracted from leaves of Melaleuca armillaris. Thirty-two components representing more than 98% of the total composition of the essential oil were identified. The main components were 1,8-cineole (85.8%), camphene (5.05%), and α-pinene (1.95%). The antioxidant activity by ABTS assay showed a mean (± standard deviation) 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) value of 247.3 ± 3.9 mg/L, and the DPPH assay yielded an IC(50) value of 2183.6 ± 44.3 mg/L. The antimalarial study indicated that the essential oil had mild activity against the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum FcB1 strain (IC(50), 27 ± 2 mg/L). The cytotoxic activity of this essential oil was tested against MCF7 human breast cancer cells and was found to be high (IC(50), 12 ± 1 mg/L).

Potential antimalarials from Nigerian plants: a review

Malaria, caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, is one of the leading infectious diseases in many tropical regions, including Nigeria, a West African country where transmission occurs all year round. Many of the inhabitants use plants as remedies against fever and other symptoms of acute malaria, as reported herein. Some of these plants have their antimalarial efficacies scientifically demonstrated and the active compounds isolated with their probable mechanisms of action studied. Medicinal plants are used to treat diseases also where the biodiversity of plants occur in parallel with endemic transmission of malaria. This review focuses on medicinal plants which are used to treat malaria in Nigeria, and on antimalarial testing of extracts and purified compounds from plants. Some show intense activity against malaria parasites in vitro and in experimentally infected mice. The search for new drugs based on plants is important due to the emergence and widespread of chloroquine-resistant and multiple drug-resistant malaria parasites, which require the development of new antimalarials. An acquaintance with antimalarial plants may be a springboard for new phytotherapies that could be affordable to treat malaria, especially among the less privileged native people living in endemic areas of the tropics, mostly at risk of this devastating disease.

Antiplasmodial activity of botanical extracts against Plasmodium falciparum

The absence of a vaccine and the rampant resistance to almost all antimalarial drugs have accentuated the urgent need for new antimalarial drugs and drug targets for both prophylaxis and chemotherapy. The aim of the study was to discover effective plant extracts against Plasmodium falciparum. In the present study, the hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol extracts of Citrus sinensis (peel), Leucas aspera, Ocimum sanctum, Phyllanthus acidus (leaf), Terminalia chebula (seed) were tested for their antimalarial activity against chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive (3D7) strain of P. falciparum which was cultured following the candle-jar method. Antimalarial evaluations of daily replacement of culture medium containing CQ and different plant crude extracts were performed on 96-well plates at 37°C for 24 and 48 h. Parasitemia was determined microscopically on thin-film Giemsa-stained preparations. Plant extracts were tested for their cytotoxicity using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on human laryngeal cancer cell line (HEp-2) and normal cell line (Vero). Out of the 25 extracts tested, six showed good (IC(50) 4.76-22.76 μg/mL), 15 exhibited moderate (IC(50) 31.42-88.03 μg/mL), while four displayed mild (IC(50) > 100 μg/mL) antiplasmodial activity. The leaf ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of L. aspera; ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol extracts of P. acidus; and seed acetone extract of T. chebula had good antiplasmodial activity (IC(50) = 7.81, 22.76, 9.37, 14.65, 12.68, and 4.76 μg/mL) with selectivity indices 5.43, 2.04, 4.88, 3.35, 3.42, and 9.97 for HEp-2 and >5.79, >2.20, >11.75, >3.41, >3.94, and >7.38 for Vero cells, respectively. These analyses have revealed for the first time that the components present in the solvent extracts of L. aspera, P. acidus, and T. chebula have antiplasmodial activity. The high antiplasmodial activity observed make these plants good candidates for isolation of anti-protozoal compounds which could serve as new lead structures for drug development.

Composition and antimicrobial activities of Lippia multiflora Moldenke, Mentha x piperita L. and Ocimum basilicum L. essential oils and their major monoterpene alcohols alone and in combination

Essential oils from leaves of Lippia multiflora, Mentha x piperita and Ocimum basilicum from Burkina Faso were analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Major components were p-cymene, thymol, b-caryophyllene, carvacrol and carvone for L. multiflora, menthol and iso-menthone for M. x piperita and, linalool and eugenol for O. basilicum. The essential oils and their major monoterpene alcohols were tested against nine bacterial strains using the disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The essential oils with high phenolic contents were the most effective antimicrobials. The checkerboard method was used to quantify the efficacy of paired combinations of essential oils and their major components. The best synergetic effects among essential oils and major components were obtained with combinations involving O. basilicum essential oil and eugenol, respectively. As phenolic components are characterized by a strong spicy aroma, this study suggests that the selection of certain combinations of EOs could help to reduce the amount of essential oils and consequently reduce any adverse sensory impact in food.

Ethnopharmacological use of herbal remedies for the treatment of malaria in the Dangme West District of Ghana

AIM OF STUDY

Malaria is one of the most important diseases in the world. Because of the devastating nature of the disease there is an urgent need to develop new drugs or vaccines for the treatment, prevention and management of the disease. The objective of the present study was to collect and document information on herbal remedies traditionally used for the treatment of malaria in the Dangme West District of Ghana.

METHODS

Data was collected from 67 indigenous households in ten communities in the district using a validated questionnaire.

RESULTS

In total, 30 species of plants belonging to 28 genera in 20 families were reported to be used in the preparation of the herbal remedies. Mature leaves were the most (55%) common plant part used and 73.3% of the herbal remedies involved a single plant. Most of the herbal remedies were prepared by boiling and administered orally. The majority (47%) of the species of plants used were collected from their compounds or home gardens.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge about malaria and treatment practices exists in the study area. Herbal remedies were commonly used by people for the treatment of malaria because they were cost-effective. They are also more accessible. Many of the species of plants used have been documented for the treatment of malaria as well as investigated for their phytochemical and antimalarial and/or antiplasmodial activity confirming the results of previous studies as well as rationalization of their traditional use. Five species of plants used in the study area, namely, Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl. (Poaceae), Deinbollia pinnata Schum. &Thonn. (Sapindaceae), Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (Arecaceae), Greenwayodendron sp. (Annonaceae) and Solanum torvum Sw (Solanaceae), are documented for the first time for their use in the treatment of malaria. "The result of this study provides the basis for further pharmacological studies on the herbal remedies used".

Antiplasmodial Activity of Some Medicinal Plants Used in Sudanese Folk-medicine

Ten plants indigenous to Sudan and of common use in Sudanese folk-medicine, were examined in vitro for antimalarial activity against schizonts maturation of Plasmodium falciparum, the major human malaria parasite. All plant samples displayed various antiplasmodial activity. Three plant extracts caused 100% inhibition of the parasite growth at concentrations of plant material Collapse

Key Words

• antiplasmodial activity
• folk-medicine
• medicinal plants

Collapse

MESH Headings Collapse

Grants Collapse

Affiliation(s)

El-Hadi M. Ahmed Department of Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, P.O. Box 20 Wad Medani, Sudan
Bakri Y.M. Nour Blue Nile National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira, P.O. Box 20 Wad Medani, Sudan
Yousif G. Mohammed Department of Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, P.O. Box 20 Wad Medani, Sudan
Hassan S. Khalid Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Institute, National Council for Research, Khartoum, Sudan.

Collapse

Modifications of the chemical structure of terpenes in antiplasmodial and antifungal drug research

Pure natural monoterpenes were evaluated in vitro for their antiplasmodial activities against Plasmodium falciparum. Chemically modified terpenes were also tested to see whether the introduction of an alkyne, a cyclopropane, a diene, or a cyclopentenone moiety had an influence on the biological activity. The IC(50) obtained on a chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium (FcM29-Cameroon) showed moderate activity, but with the alkyne and the cyclopentenone derivatives showing a promising enhancement of activity compared with the parent molecules. On the contrary, no antifungal activity was found in vitro using Candida albicans. Given the observed antiplasmodial activity of some of these modified monoterpenes, new monoterpene derivatives could be the basis for new antimalarial drugs to be researched.

Anti-proliferative effect of the essential oil ofCymbopogon citratus(DC) Stapf (lemongrass) on intracellular amastigotes, bloodstream trypomastigotes and culture epimastigotes ofTrypanosoma cruzi(Protozoa: Kinetoplastida)

This study analyses the anti-proliferative effect of lemongrass essential oil and its main constituent (citral) on all 3 evolutive forms ofTrypanosoma cruzi. Steam distillation was used to obtain lemongrass essential oil, with chemical composition determined by gas chromatography (GC) and GC coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The IC50/24 h (concentration that reduced the parasite population by 50%) of the oil and of citral uponT. cruziwas determined by cell counting in a Neubauer chamber, while morphological alterations were visualized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Treatment with the essential oil resulted in epimastigote growth inhibition with IC50=126·5 μg/ml, while the IC50for trypomastigote lysis was 15·5 μg/ml. The IC50/48 h for the Association Index (% macrophage infection×number of amastigotes per cell) was 5·1 μg/ml, with a strong inhibition of intracellular amastigote proliferation. Ultrastructural analysis demonstrated cytoplasmic and nuclear extraction, while the plasma membrane remained morphologically preserved. Our data show that lemongrass essential oil is effective againstT. cruzitrypomastigotes and amastigotes, and that its main component, citral, is responsible for the trypanocidal activity. These results indicate that essential oils can be promising anti-parasitic agents, opening perspectives to the discovery of more effective drugs of vegetal origin for treatment of parasitic diseases. However, additional cytotoxicity experiments on different cell lines and tests in aT. cruzi-mouse model are needed to support these data.

Antiparasitic activity of two Lavandula essential oils against Giardia duodenalis, Trichomonas vaginalis and Hexamita inflata

Two essential oils derived from Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula x intermedia were investigated for any antiparasitic activity against the human protozoal pathogens Giardia duodenalis and Trichomonas vaginalis and the fish pathogen Hexamita inflata: all of which have significant infection and economic impacts. The study has demonstrated that low (< or = 1%) concentrations of L. angustifolia and L. x intermedia oil can completely eliminate T. vaginalis, G. duodenalis and H. inflata in vitro. At 0.1% concentration, L. angustifolia oil was found to be slightly more effective than L x intermedia oil against G. duodenalis and H. inflata. The potential applications are discussed.

Composition and antimicrobial activities of volatile components of Lippia javanica

The volatile oil of Lippia javanica was prepared by hydrodistillation of leaves, flowers and stems, and characterized by GC-MS. The major component was 3-methyl-6-(1-methylethylidene)-cyclohex-2-en-1-one. The oil was tested for antimicrobial activity on cultures of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, and found to inhibit E. coli and S. aureus at 1% dilution. The oil was also active against Plasmodium falciparum in micromolar concentrations.

A search for natural bioactive compounds in Bolivia through a multidisciplinary approach. Part VI. Evaluation of the antimalarial activity of plants used by Isoceño-Guaraní Indians

Seventy-seven plant extracts (corresponding to 62 different species) traditionally used by the Isoceño-Guaraní, a native community living in the Bolivian Chaco, were screened for antimalarial activity in vitro on Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine sensitive strain (F32), and on ferriprotoporphyrin (FP) IX biocrystallisation inhibition test (FBIT). Among these extracts, seven displayed strong in vitro antimalarial activity, and 25 were active in the FBIT test. Positive results on both tests were recorded for six extracts: Argemone subfusiformis aerial part, Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco bark, Castela coccinea leaves and bark, Solanum argentinum leaves and Vallesia glabra bark. Results are discussed in relation with Isoceño-Guaraní traditional medicine. Further studies to be undertaken in relation with these results are also highlighted.

Antiparasitic activities of medicinal plants used in Ivory Coast

During an ethnopharmacological survey of antiparasitic medicinal plants used in Ivory Coast, 17 plants were identified and collected. Polar, non-polar and alkaloidic extracts of various parts of these species were evaluated in vitro in an antiparasitic drug screening. Antimalarial, leishmanicidal, trypanocidal, antihelminthiasis and antiscabies activities were determined. Among the selected plants, Anogeissus leiocarpus and Terminalia glaucescens were strongly active against Plasmodium falciparum. Lawsonia inermis, selectively prescribed against trypanosomiasis shows interesting trypanocidal activities as did other 15 plants. Anthelmintic activities were found for 10 active species and 2 species (Uvaria afzelli and Monodora myristica) were actives against mites.

Composition and anti-plasmodial activities of essential oils from some Cameroonian medicinal plants

In a search for new plant-derived biologically active compounds against malaria parasites, five essential oils extracted from the Cameroonian plants Xylopia phloiodora, Pachypodanthium confine, Antidesma laciniatum, Xylopia aethiopica, and Hexalobus crispiflorus were evaluated in regard to their anti-plasmodial activity against the W2 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. The oils were obtained from the plants with 0.12, 0.13, 0.18, 0.6 and 0.1% yields (relatively to dried material weight) respectively. Analysis by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry identified mainly terpenoids, among which alpha-copaene, gamma-cadinene, delta-cadinene, alpha-cadinol, spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide were most commonly found. The five oils were active against Plasmodium falciparum in culture. The most effective was the oil of Hexalobus crispiflorus, with an IC50 of 2 microg/ml.

Antiplasmodial and antifungal activities of iridal, a plant triterpenoid

Iridal, a triterpenoidic compound extracted from Iris germanica L., was previously shown to have an interesting activity on two cultured human tumor cell lines (A2780 and K562). In the present work, this same product was tested in vitro on Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-resistant and -sensitive strains, in vivo on P. vinckei, and on some Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis strains too. The IC(50) obtained in vitro on human malaria strain ranged from 1.8 to 26.0 microg/ml and the ED(50) in vivo is about 85 mg/kg/day by intraperitoneal route. The minimal inhibitory concentrations were higher than to 50 microg/ml, whatever the strain of yeast tested. This product presents an antiplasmodial activity similar to that obtained with extracts from the plant Azadirachta indica classically taken as reference in malaria phytomedicine. Conversely iridal shows no important antifungal activity. The specific activity of iridal on human malaria parasite and on tumor cell lines is discussed.

In vitro antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of ethnobotanically selected South African plants

The resistance of Plasmodium spp. to currently used drugs has become a serious problem and efforts are being directed in obtaining new drugs with different structural features. One option favoured is the search for new plant derived antimalarial drugs. Bark and leaves of 20 extracts from 14 South African plant species were tested for in vitro antiplasmodial activity by means of the flow cytometric test. The most active extract of each species giving more than 70% inhibition at 50 microg/ml was selected for determination of IC(50) values. Two extracts had IC(50) values below 2 microg/ml, another seven had IC(50) values between 2 and 5 microg/ml while one had an IC(50) of 10.1 microg/ml. Chloroquine had an IC(50) of 0.043 microg/ml. Cytotoxicities of the five most active extracts at 50 microg/ml were determined with the monkey kidney cell toxicity test and the ID(50) values ranged between 35 and 100 microg/ml.

Lippia: traditional uses, chemistry and pharmacology: a review

The chemical composition, pharmacological activity and traditional uses of 52 species attributed to the genus Lippia (Verbenaceae) as used in the South and Central America, and Tropical Africa, were revised and compared. A survey of the available literature shows that these species are used mostly for the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders and as seasoning. Additionally, some of these Lippia species showed antimalarial, spasmolitic, sedative, hypotensive and, anti-inflammatory activities. Generally, the essential oil or the phenolic compounds (flavonoids) from these plant extracts are assumed to be the active principles.

Antitubercular activity of triterpenoids from Lippia turbinata

Assay-guided fractionation of the antitubercular MeOH-CH(2)Cl(2) extract obtained from Lippia turbinata led to the isolation of four novel triterpenoids-3beta,25-epoxy-3alpha,21alpha-dihydroxy-22beta-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-oyloxy)olean-12-ene-28-oic acid (1); 3beta,25-epoxy-3alpha,21alpha-dihydroxy-22beta-angeloyloxyolean-12-ene-28-oic acid (2); 3beta,25-epoxy-3alpha,21alpha-dihydroxy-22beta-tigloyloxyolean-12-ene-28-oic acid (3); and 3beta,25-epoxy-3alpha-hydroxy-22beta-(2-methylbutan-1-oyloxy)olean-12-ene-28-oic acid (4)-together with the known triterpenoids lantanilic acid (5), camaric acid (6), lantanolic acid (7), and rehmannic acid (8). The MIC values of 1-8 for growth inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were determined in the radiorespirometric BACTEC system.

Antiplasmodial activity of plant extracts used in west African traditional medicine

Five plants originating from Ivory Coast were selected after an ethnobotanical survey, Alchornea cordifolia, Mitragyna inermis, Nauclea diderrichii, Pterocarpus santalinoides, and Terminalia glaucescens. Traditional healers for the treatment of malaria commonly used these plants. Extracts of these plants were tested on three strains of Plasmodium falciparum, FcB1-Colombia and FcM29-Cameroon (chloroquine-resistant strains) and a Nigerian chloroquine-sensitive strain. Extracts were obtained by preparing decoction in water of the powdered plant, the technique used by most of the traditional healers. A radioactive micromethod allowed the evaluation of the in vitro activity of the extracts on P. falciparum. Concentrations inhibiting 50% of the parasite growth (IC(50)) ranged from 2.34 to more than 500 microg/ml according to the plant. For the most active plants (A. cordifolia and T. glaucescens) ethanol and pentane extracts were made and tested. The IC(50) values obtained for these extracts ranged from 0.35 to 43.40 microg/ml. The stage specificity of the ethanol extracts of A. cordifolia and T. glaucescens and pentane extract of T. glaucescens on the parasite erythrocytic cycle were determined. The ethanol extract of T. glaucescens showed its highest activity at the transition from the trophozoite to the schizont stages. Cytotoxicity was estimated on human fibroblasts (HeLa) cells and a cytotoxicity/antiplasmodial index was calculated, it ranged between 5 and 21, and the best antiplasmodial extract (T. glaucescens ethanol extract) had the higher index (>20).

Pediculocidal and scabicidal properties of Lippia multiflora essential oil

The essential oil from the leaves of Lippia multiflora Moldenke (Verbenaceae) was tested for its pediculocidal and scabicidal activites against bodylice, headlice and scabies' mites. The 'knockdown' times obtained for bodylice and headlice using lippia oil preparations were comparatively shorter than those obtained using benzyl benzoate and Delvap Super, a brand of dichlorvos. The lethal effect of the lippia oil on headlice was increased when applied in an enclosed system that prevented volatilization of the oil while allowing maximum contact of the vapour with the headlice. A 20% v/v preparation of lippia oil applied to scabietic subjects for 5 consecutive days gave 100% cure compared with 87.5% cure obtained for benzyl benzoate preparation of the same concentration. The GC-MS analysis of oil revealed, among others, the presence of terpineol, alpha- and beta-pinene which are known to be lethal to body and headlice.

Antimalarial use of volatile oil from leaves of Virola surinamensis (Rol.) Warb. by Waiãpi Amazon Indians

The Amazon Indians Waiãpi living in the West of Amapá State of Brazil, treat malaria with an inhalation of vapor obtained from leaves of Viola surinamensis. The essential oil obtained from adult and plantlet leaves was analyzed by GC/MS and 11 monoterpenes, 11 sesquiterpenes and three phenylpropanoids were identified. Plantlet essential oil caused 100% of growth inhibition after 48 h in the development of the young trophozoite to schizont stage and the sesquiterpene nerolidol (100 microg/ml) was identified as one of the active constituents (100% of growth inhibition was obtained). In addition, examination of [U14C]-glucose incorporation showed that activity of nerolidol is related to the inhibition of glycoprotein biosynthesis.

In vitro antiplasmodial activity of stem and root extracts of Nauclea latifolia S.M. (Rubiaceae)

Aqueous extracts from Nauclea latifolia S.M. (Rubiaceae), a plant commonly used in Ivory Coast by traditional healers for the treatment of malaria, were tested on two strains of Plasmodium faliparum: FcB1-Colombia (chloroquine-resistant) and a Nigerian strain (chloroquine-sensitive). The extracts were obtained from stems and roots of the plant in two forms, infusion and decoction, both methods used by most traditional healers. The in vitro activity of N. latifolia extracts on P. falciparum was assessed both visually and by a radioactive method. The visual analysis allowed determination of the time of extract action on the erythrocytic cycle, as well as the parasitic stage of most inhibitory effect. Similar results were obtained applying fresh, frozen or lyophilized extracts. The IC50 values determined were within the range already reported for other antimalarial plants such as Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae) or Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae). Aqueous extracts of N. latifolia inhibited P. falciparum (FcB1 strain) mainly at the end of the erythrocytic cycle (32nd to 48th hour).

In vitro antimalarial activity of penduline, a bisbenzylisoquinoline from Isopyrum thalictroides

Two bisbenzylisoquinolines, tetrandrine and penduline, were purified from Isopyrum thalictroides. When tested for antimalarial activity in vitro, penduline was efficient at concentrations fivefold lower than those of tetrandrine. In highly synchronized parasite cultures, penduline mostly interfered between the 8th and the 32nd hours of the parasite cycle.