Nematicidal activity of Annona crassiflora leaf extract on Caenorhabditis elegans

Seasonal and circadian evaluation of Ageratum conyzoides essential oil and its nematicidal activity against Caenorhabditis elegans

The aim of this study was to evaluate the circadian and seasonal variation of Ageratum conyzoides essential oil (EO) and its nematicidal effect on the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for parasitic helminths. For the seasonal study, the plants were collected from January to December 2022, at 6 a.m., and to assess the circadian rhythm, the plants were collected in April (rainy season) and October (dry season), at 6, 9, 12 a.m. and 3 and 6 p.m. The fresh plants were then subjected to hydrodistillation, and their chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The motility test with C. elegans was carried out. The primary constituent of the oils was precocene I (65.97 to 78.42 %, respectively), followed by E-caryophyllene (6.04 to 12.16 %), comprising an average of 79.87 % of the composition throughout the year. The average yields of EOs were slightly higher in the rainy season, at 0.68 %, compared to the dry season, at 0.62 %. High light hours in the rainy season (12 a.m., 0.96 %) and in the dry season (9 a.m., 0.88 %) seem to contribute to higher daily oil yields. It was observed that the variation between the main constituents of A. conyzoides occurs in inverse proportion when analyzing the main classes of compounds present in the oils: chromenes (CH) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (SH). And that the month of March had the highest content of E-caryophyllene (12.16 %) when compared to the other months of the year. On the other hand, January and December had the lowest levels of precocene I (65.97 and 66.85 %). The IC50 of the EO of A. conyzoides varied according to the month and time of collection. The EO obtained in January was the most effective against C. elegans, with an IC50 of 0.01 mg/mL. Thus, A. conyzoides EO could be an alternative for nematode control, exhibiting greater efficacy if extracted during specific seasonal periods.

An alkaloidal fraction of Annona tomentosa possesses anthelmintic activity and induces surface modifications in Haemonchus contortus

The nematode Haemonchus contortus is, as a parasite, responsible for most mortality of small ruminants, causing significant economic losses. Numerous plant-derived compounds have exhibited promising anthelmintic activities against this nematode. Notably, the Annona genus stands out for demonstrated anthelmintic effects by extracts from several of its species against different nematodes. This study aimed to assess the effect of an Annona tomentosa fraction, rich in alkaloids, on H. contortus. This fraction, named Alk.F, is derived from the methanolic extract of the plant's stem bark. Chemical characterization of Alk.F was performed by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Among the nine predominant peaks obtained, seven alkaloids were identified: reticuline, reticuline N-oxide, reticuline N-oxide isomer, cyclanoline, asimilobine, tetrahydropalmatine and anonaine. Alk.F inhibited the larval development of H. contortus with an IC50 of 0.026 mg/mL, inhibited larval exsheathment with an IC50 of 0.38 mg/mL, and displayed low hemolytic activity towards sheep erythrocytes. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy revealed that Alk.F altered adhesive forces and the height profile on the surface of H. contortus larvae. In conclusion, A. tomentosa alkaloids alter the cuticle structure of H. contortus, inhibiting larval development and exsheathment, thus offering possibilities for contributing to the development of new anthelmintic drugs.

Antifungal activity of Annona crassiflora Mart. dichloromethane fraction against strains of C. albicans

Products derived from medicinal plants with antimicrobial activity are considered a promising alternative in the treatment of fungal infections. In this perspective, this study proposed to evaluate the antifungal activity of the dichloromethane fraction of Annona crassiflora Mart. against C. albicans strains. Tests were carried out to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Fungicide Concentration (MFC), microbial growth kinetics, fungal cell wall and membrane mechanisms of action, antifungal biofilm activity, and cytotoxic effects on human erythrocytes. The extract presented MIC and MFC values that ranged from 256 µg/mL to 1,024 µg/mL, with fungicidal activity in the microbial growth kinetics assay. The mechanism of action did not occur through damage to the cell wall or via binding to ergosterol in the membrane, though the fraction presents activity against biofilm and is not cytotoxic in human erythrocytes. The dichloromethane fraction of Annona crassiflora Mart. presented antifungal activity and reduced biofilm growth, without toxicity against human erythrocytes; however, further studies are needed to define its mechanism of action.

Exploring the antifilarial potential of an important medicinal plant Typhonium trilobatum (L. Schoot): Isolation, characterization, and structural elucidation of bioactive compounds against Brugia malayi

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

The plant Typhonium trilobatum has been utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of many ailments, including parasitic infections. Recent examinations indicate that the bioactive substances from this plant may have antiparasitic activities against Brugia malayi, which have not been determined.

PURPOSE

The parasitic nematodes Brugia malayi, Brugia timori, and Wuchereria bancrofti causing lymphatic filariasis, remain a significant challenge to global public health. Given the ongoing nature of this enduring menace, the current research endeavours to examine the efficacy of an important medicinal plant, Typhonium trilobatum.

METHODS

Different extracts of the T. trilobatum tubers were evaluated for their antiparasitic activity. The most prominent extract was subjected to Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) followed by Column Chromatography for isolating bioactive molecules. The major compounds were isolated and characterized based on different spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, NMR and HRMS). Further, the antiparasitic activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated against B. malayi and compared with clinically used antifilarial drugs like Diethylcarbamazine and Ivermectin.

RESULTS

The methanolic extract of the tuber exhibited significant antiparasitic activity compared to the other extracts. The bioactive molecules isolated from the crude extract were identified as Linoleic acid and Palmitic acid. Antiparasitic activity of both the compounds has been performed against B. malayi and compared with clinically used antifilarial drugs, Ivermectin and DEC. The IC50 value of Linoleic acid was found to be 6.09 ± 0.78 μg/ml after 24 h and 4.27 ± 0.63 μg/ml after 48 h, whereas for Palmitic acid the value was 12.35 ± 1.09 μg/ml after 24 h and 8.79 ± 0.94 μg/ml after 48 h. The IC50 values of both the molecules were found to be similar to the standard drug Ivermectin (IC50 value of 11.88 ± 1.07 μg/ml in 24 h and 2.74 ± 0.43 μg/ml in 48 h), and much better compared to the DEC (IC50 values of 194.2 ± 2.28 μg/ml in 24 h and 101.8 ± 2.06 μg/ml in 48 h). Furthermore, it has been observed that both the crude extracts and the isolated compounds do not exhibit any detrimental effects on the J774.A.1 macrophage cell line.

CONCLUSION

The isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds present in the methanolic tuber extract of Typhonium trilobatum were explored. Moreover, the antimicrofilarial activity of the crude extracts and its two major compounds were determined using Brugia malayi microfilarial parasites without any significant side effects.

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

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

Zuccagnia punctata Cav., a Potential Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Bionematicide for the Control of Argentinean Horticultural Crops

This research was designed to investigate the metabolite profiling, phenolics, and flavonoids content as well as the potential nematicidal properties of decoction (ZpDe), orange-yellow resin (ZpRe) and essential oil (ZpEO) from Argentinean medicinal plant Zuccagnia punctata Cav. Additionally, the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of ZpDe and ZpEO were determined. Metabolite profiling was obtained by an ultrahigh-resolution liquid chromatography MS analysis (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/OT-MS-MS) and GCMS. The nematicidal activity was assayed by a standardized method against Meloidogyne incognita. The antioxidant properties were screened by four methods: (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity assay (TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), and lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes (ILP). The antibacterial activity was evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) rules. The ZpDe, ZpRe and ZpEO displayed a strong nematicidal activity with an LC50 of 0.208, 0.017 and 0.142 mg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, the ZpDe showed a strong DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 28.54 µg/mL); ILP of 87.75% at 250 µg ZpDe/mL and moderated antimicrobial activity. The ZpEO showed promising activity against a panel of yeasts Candida albicans and non-albicans (ATCC and clinically isolated) with MIC values from 750 to 1500 µg/mL. The ZpDe showed a content of phenolics and flavonoid compounds of 241 mg GAE/g and 10 mg EQ/g, respectively. Fifty phenolic compounds were identified in ZpDe by ultrahigh-resolution liquid chromatography (UHPLC-PDA- Q-TOF-MS) analysis, while forty-six phenolic compounds were identified in ZpRe by UHPLC-ESI-Q-OT-MS-MS and twenty-nine in ZpEO using a GC-MS analysis, updating the knowledge on the chemical profile of this species. The results support and standardize this medicinal plant mainly as a potential environmentally friendly and sustainable bionematicide for the control of Argentinean horticultural crops including tomatoes and peppers and as a source of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds which could be further explored and exploited for potential applications.

Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Pesticidal Efficacy in the Oleoresins of Globba sessiliflora Sims and In Silico Study

Globba sessiliflora Sims is an aromatic rhizomatous herb of family Zingiberaceae which is endemic to Peninsular India. This study first reports the phytochemical profile and pesticidal potential of oleoresins obtained from the aerial and rhizome parts of Globba sessiliflora Sims. The oleoresins were prepared by the cold percolation method and were analyzed by a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. Both the oleoresins varied greatly in composition, the major compounds identified in aerial part oleoresin (GSAO) were methyl linoleate, methyl palmitate, and phytol, while the major compounds present in rhizome part oleoresin (GSRO) were γ-sitosterol, 8 (17),12-labdadiene-15, 16-dial, methyl linoleate, and methyl palmitate. In order to evaluate the biological activities, the oleoresins were tested under laboratory conditions for nematicidal action and inhibition of egg hatching potential against root knot nematode, where GSRO was more effective. Insecticidal activity was performed against mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi and castor hairy caterpillar, Selepa celtis. In case of mustard aphid, GSRO (LC₅₀ = 154.8 ppm) was more effective than GSAO (LC₅₀ = 263.0 ppm), while GSAO (LC₅₀ = 346.7.0 ppm) was more effective against castor hairy caterpillar than GSRO (LC₅₀ = 398.1 ppm). The herbicidal activity was performed in the receptor species Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus, and the oleoresins showed different intensities for seed germination inhibition and coleoptile and radical length inhibition. Molecular docking studies were conducted to screen the in vitro activities and through molecular docking, it was found that the major oleoresins components were able to interact with the binding pocket of HPPD and AChE with γ-sitosterol showing the best binding affinity.

Nematicidal Potential of Sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) against the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita

The content of nematicidal metabolites such as saponins, flavonoids and tannins in sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) suggests its potential nematicidal activity. In this study, the biocidal activity of 62.5–1000 μg mL⁻¹ concentrations of flavonoid and tannin fractions from sulla was assessed in in vitro assays on the infective juveniles (J2) of the root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita, while the suppressive effects of soil amendments with 10–40 g kg⁻¹ soil rates of sulla biomass were investigated on potted tomato infested by M. incognita. The content of total nitrogen, carbon, flavonoids, tannins and saponins of sulla experimental material was also determined. After a 96-h exposure, more than 80% of the M. incognita J2 were killed even by a 125 µg mL⁻¹ concentration of the flavonoid extract, while mortality peaked at 89% only at the 1000 µg mL⁻¹ concentration of the tannin solution. Soil incorporation with sulla biomass significantly reduced the M. incognita densities both on tomato roots and in the soil, compared to either the non-treated control and chemical treatment with Fluopyram. The data confirmed the nematicidal potential of sulla, mainly due to its content of flavonoids and tannins, suggesting its suitability as green manure or a soil amendment for sustainable RKN management.

Phytochemical Analysis of the Fruit Pulp Extracts from Annona crassiflora Mart. and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities

Annona crassiflora Mart., the marolo fruit of the Cerrado biome, is one of the most frequently consumed species from the Brazilian Midwest. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of the fruit pulp of A. crassiflora collected at Chapada das Mesas, Maranhão, Brazil. The volatile concentrate was identified as mainly ethyl octanoate, ethyl hexanoate, and methyl octanoate. From the ethanol (LFP-E) and ethyl acetate (LFP-A) extracts were identified phenolic acids (p-coumaric, gallic, quinic, and ferulic), flavones and derivatives (apigenin, epicatechin, 2′-5-dimethoxyflavone, 3′,7-dimethoxy-3-hydroxyflavone, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside and 3-O-rutinoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, procyanidin B2, and rutin), aporphine alkaloids (xylopine, stephagine, and romucosine), and acetogenin (annonacin). For the LFP-E and LFP-A extracts, the total phenolic compound values were 15.89 and 33.16 mg GAE/g, the flavonoid compound content values were 2.53 and 70.55 mg QE/g, the DPPH radical scavenging activity showed EC₅₀ values of 182.54 and 57.80 µg/mL, and the ABTS radical activity showed TEAC values of 94.66 and 192.61 µM TE/g. The LFP-E extract showed significant cytotoxicity and cell selectivity for the U251-glioma strain, presenting a GI₅₀ value of 21.34 µg/mL, which is close to doxorubicin (11.68 µg/mL), the standard chemotherapeutic drug. The marolo fruit seems to be a promising source for developing innovative and healthy products for the food industry.

In Vitro Efficacy of Aqueous and Methanol Extract of Cassia siamea Against the Motility of Caenorhabditis elegans

Gastrointestinal nematode infections can cause great losses in revenue due to decrease livestock production and animal death. The use of anthelmintic to control gastrointestinal nematode put a selection pressure on nematode populations which led to emergence of anthelmintic resistance. Because of that, this study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of aqueous and methanol extract of Cassia siamea against the motility of C. elegans Bristol N2 and C. elegans DA1316. Caenorhabditis elegans Bristol N2 is a susceptible strain and C. elegans DA1316 is an ivermectin resistant strain. In vitro bioassay of various concentrations of (0.2, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 2.0 mg mL⁻¹) aqueous and methanol extracts of C. siamea was conducted against the motility of L4 larvae of C. elegans Bristol N2 and C. elegans DA1316. The L4 larvae were treated with 0.02 μg mL⁻¹ of ivermectin served as positive control while those in M9 solution served as negative control. The activity of the extracts was observed after 24 h and 48 h. A significant difference was recorded in the extract performance compared to control at (P < 0.001) after 48 h against the motility of the larvae of both strains. The methanol extracts inhibited the motility of C. elegans Bristol N2 by 86.7% as well as DA1316 up to 84.9% at 2.0 mg mL⁻¹ after 48 h. The methanol extract was more efficient than aqueous extract (P < 0.05) against the motility of both strains of C. elegans. Cassia siamea may be used as a natural source of lead compounds for the development of alternative anthelmintic against parasitic nematodes as well ivermectin resistant strains of nematodes.

Nematicidal Activity of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Assisted by Phytochemical Analysis

To date, there has been great demand for ecofriendly nematicides with beneficial properties to the nematode hosting plants. Great efforts are made towards the chemical characterization of botanical extracts exhibiting nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne spp., but only a small percentage of these data are actually used by the chemical industry in order to develop new formulates. On the other hand, the ready to use farmer produced water extracts based on edible plants could be a sustainable and economic solution for low income countries. Herein, we evaluate the nematicidal potential of Stevia rebaudiana grown in Greece against Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne javanica, two most notorious phytoparasitic nematode species causing great losses in tomato cultivation worldwide. In an effort to recycle the plant’s remnants, after leaves selection for commercial use, we use both leaves and wooden stems to test for activity. In vitro tests demonstrate significant paralysis activity of both plant parts’ water extracts against the second-stage juvenile (J2) of the parasites; while, in vivo bioassays demonstrated the substantial efficacy of leaves’ powder (95% at 1 g kg⁻¹) followed by stems. Interestingly, the incorporation of up to 50 g powder/kg of soil is not phytotoxic, which demonstrates the ability to elevate the applied concentration of the nematicidal stevia powder under high inoculum level. Last but not least, the chemical composition analyses using cutting edge analytical methodologies, demonstrated amongst components molecules of already proven nematicidal activity, was exemplified by several flavonoids and essential oil components. Interestingly, and to our knowledge, for the flavonoids, morin and robinin, the anthocyanidin, keracyanin, and a napthalen-2-ol derivative is their first report in Stevia species.

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

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

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

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

The Annona muricata leaf ethanol extract affects mobility and reproduction in mutant strain NB327 Caenorhabditis elegans

The C. elegans NB327 mutant strain is characterized for the knockdown of the dic-1 gene. The dic-1 gene is homologous to the dice-1 gene in humans, encoding the protein DICE-1 as a tumor suppressor. Absence or under-regulation of the dice-1 gene can be reflected in lung and prostate cancer [17], [18]. This study evaluated the effect of EEAML on the C. elegans NB327 mutant strain. Phenotypic aspects such as morphology, body length, locomotion, and reproductive behaviour were analyzed. It is important to emphasize that the strain presents a phenotype characteristic with respect to egg laying and hatching. Reported studies showed that Annona muricata extract and its active components evidence anti-cancer and anti-tumor effects, through experimentation in vivo and in vitro models. However, neurotoxicity has been reported as a side effect. The results showed that the mutant strain NB327 was exposed to EEAML (5 mg/ml) concentration, it showed a significant decrease in average locomotion, resulting in 13 undulations in 30 s. This contrasts with the control strain's 17.5 undulations in 30 s. Similarly, the number of progenies was reduced from 188 progenies (control strain) to 114 and 92 progenies at the dose of (1 mg/ml and 5 mg/m) EEAML. The results of this study suggest that EEAML has a possible neurotoxic effect in concentrations equal to or greater than 5 mg/ml. Also, it does not have positive effects on the mutant strain of Caenorhabditis elegans NB327 phenotype.

Nematicidal Activity of trans-2-Hexenal against Southern Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) on Tomato Plants

Botanical nematicides have recently received increasing interest because of the high risks of some traditional nematicides to human health and the environment. This study evaluated the nematicidal activity of a plant volatile, trans-2-hexenal, against Meloidogyne incognita. This compound exhibited higher activity in a fumigation experiment than in the aqueous phase in vitro. Both in pot tests and in field trials, trans-2-hexenal showed significant efficacy against M. incognita while maintaining excellent plant growth, especially at doses of 1000 and 500 L ha^-1, which were superior to that of abamectin at 180 g ha^-1 via hole application treatment but not significantly different from fumigation with 400 kg ha^-1 of dazomet. Furthermore, plants treated with 500 L ha^-1 trans-2-hexenal had fruit yields 20.2 and 45% greater than the control group. On this basis, trans-2-hexenal may be a potential alternative fumigation agent for controlling M. incognita on tomato crops.