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Qulsum U, Azad MTA, Kato K. Efficacy of medicinal plants and their derived biomolecules against Plasmodium falciparum. Parasitol Int 2024; 103:102946. [PMID: 39128649 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Many apicomplexan pathogens pose significant threats to humans and domestic animals, with the lack of effective drugs and drug resistance representing major challenges in disease management. To address this, the search for new and potent antimalarial drugs is crucial. Plant-based formulations offer a promising alternative for such drug development. Here, we evaluated the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of nine plant extracts, traditionally used to treat fever-like symptoms in Bangladesh. We assessed the antimalarial activity of plant extracts by using the Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 growth inhibition assay, an invasion assay, and a cytotoxicity assay. Of the nine plants studied, ethanolic and methanolic leaf extracts of Ficus hispida, Streblus asper, and Boerhavia repens exhibited high antiplasmodial activity, with IC50 values of 9.31, 4.13, 9.63 μg/ml (ethanolic) and 15.12, 6.63, 7.58 μg/ml (methanolic), respectively, and minimal toxicity (cell viability >80%). Clerodendrum viscosum displayed antiplasmodial effects with IC50 values of 28.90 μg/ml (ethanolic) and 30.57 μg/ml (methanolic). Adhatoda vasica, Mussaenda corymbosa, and Amaranthus spinosus ethanolic extracts showed antimalarial effects with IC50 values of 61.78 μg/ml, 66.31 μg/ml, and 64.14 μg/ml, respectively. However, methanolic extracts of A. vasica and A. spinosus had IC50 values >100 μg/ml. The ethanolic and methanolic extracts of A. vasica, A. spinosus, F. hispida, S. asper, and B. repens significantly reduced parasitemia by inhibiting invasion into erythrocytes. This study highlights the robust antimalarial activity and low cytotoxicity of leaf extracts of F. hispida, S. asper, and B. repens, indicating the presence of antimalarial compounds that warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umme Qulsum
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan; Department of Botany, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Thoufic Anam Azad
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan; Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Kentaro Kato
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan.
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Mungo C, Sorgi K, Ogollah C, Misiko B, Cheserem C, Githongo G, Omoto J. Phase I study on the pharmacokinetics of intravaginal, self-administered artesunate vaginal pessaries among women in Kenya. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.07.08.24309596. [PMID: 39148845 PMCID: PMC11326355 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.08.24309596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Cervical cancer remains a significant global health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where access to prevention and treatment is limited and women are at a higher risk of cervical cancer. Artesunate, a widely available drug used to treat malaria, has shown promise in treating human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated anogenital lesions including high-grade cervical precancer, in a recent Phase I studies in the United States. Data on the pharmacokinetics of artesunate following intravaginal use, and its implications on malaria resistance, are lacking. Objectives The primary objective of this study is to investigate the pharmacokinetics of Artesunate (AS) and its active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin (DHA) following intravaginal use at the dosing and frequency intended for cervical precancer treatment. A secondary objective is to assess safety among study participants. Methods We are conducting a single-arm, phase I trial with a sample size of 12 female volunteers. Participants will self-administer artesunate vaginal pessaries in the study clinic daily for 5 consecutive days. Participants will have their blood drawn prior to receiving the first dose of artesunate on day one of the study and then will receive 8 blood draws on study day five, prior to artesunate administration and at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, and 8 hours after pessary administration. Pharmacokinetic parameters of artesunate and DHA will be calculated by way of quantitative analysis of with determination of maximum concentration (Cmax), time to Cmax (Tmax), area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC), apparent clearance, and elimination half-life (t1/2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chemtai Mungo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 321 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 450 West Dr, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - Katherine Sorgi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 321 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | | | - Brenda Misiko
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Busia Rd, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | | | - Jackton Omoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maseno University School of Medicine, P.O, Kisumu, Kenya
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Duffey M, Shafer RW, Timm J, Burrows JN, Fotouhi N, Cockett M, Leroy D. Combating antimicrobial resistance in malaria, HIV and tuberculosis. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:461-479. [PMID: 38750260 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00933-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to the sustainability of effective treatments against the three most prevalent infectious diseases: malaria, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and tuberculosis. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel drugs and treatment protocols capable of reducing the emergence of resistance and combating it when it does occur. In this Review, we present an overview of the status and underlying molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in these three diseases. We also discuss current strategies to address resistance during the research and development of next-generation therapies. These strategies vary depending on the infectious agent and the array of resistance mechanisms involved. Furthermore, we explore the potential for cross-fertilization of knowledge and technology among these diseases to create innovative approaches for minimizing drug resistance and advancing the discovery and development of new anti-infective treatments. In conclusion, we advocate for the implementation of well-defined strategies to effectively mitigate and manage resistance in all interventions against infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëlle Duffey
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), R&D Department/Drug Discovery, ICC, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Robert W Shafer
- Department of Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | - Jeremy N Burrows
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), R&D Department/Drug Discovery, ICC, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Didier Leroy
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), R&D Department/Drug Discovery, ICC, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Amador LA, Colón-Lorenzo EE, Rodríguez AD, Serrano AE. Probing the Antiplasmodial Properties of Plakortinic Acids C and D: An Uncommon Pair of Marine Peroxide-Polyketides Isolated from a Two-Sponge Association of Plakortis symbiotica and Xetospongia deweerdtae Collected near Puerto Rico. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:684. [PMID: 38929667 PMCID: PMC11204963 DOI: 10.3390/life14060684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Plakortinic acids C (1) and D (2), an unseparable pair of endoperoxide polyketides isolated and purified from the symbiotic association of Caribbean Sea sponges Plakortis symbiotica-Xestospongia deweerdtae, underwent in vitro evaluation for antiplasmodial activity against the malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei using a drug luminescence assay. Initial screening at 10 µM revealed 50% in vitro parasite growth inhibition. The title compounds displayed antiplasmodial activity with an EC50 of 5.3 µM toward P. berghei parasites. The lytic activity against erythrocytes was assessed through an erythrocyte cell lysis assay, which showed non-lytic activity at lower concentrations ranging from 1.95 to 3.91 µM. The antiplasmodial activity and the absence of hemolytic activity support the potential of plakortinic acids C (1) and D (2) as promising lead compounds. Moreover, drug-likeness (ADMET) properties assessed through the pkCSM server predicted high intestinal absorption, hepatic metabolism, and volume of distribution, indicating favorable pharmacokinetic profiles for oral administration. These findings suggest the potential suitability of these metabolites for further investigations of antiplasmodial activity in multiple parasitic stages in the mosquito and Plasmodium falciparum. Notably, this study represents the first report of a marine natural product exhibiting the unique 7,8-dioxatricyclo[4.2.2.02,5]dec-9-ene motif being evaluated against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A. Amador
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, 1390 Ponce de León Avenue, San Juan 00926, Puerto Rico;
| | - Emilee E. Colón-Lorenzo
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan 00921, Puerto Rico;
| | - Abimael D. Rodríguez
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, 1390 Ponce de León Avenue, San Juan 00926, Puerto Rico;
| | - Adelfa E. Serrano
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan 00921, Puerto Rico;
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Nain M, Dhorda M, Flegg JA, Gupta A, Harrison LE, Singh-Phulgenda S, Otienoburu SD, Harriss E, Bharti PK, Behera B, Rahi M, Guerin PJ, Sharma A. Systematic Review and Geospatial Modeling of Molecular Markers of Resistance to Artemisinins and Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine in Plasmodium falciparum in India. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:910-920. [PMID: 38574550 PMCID: PMC11066343 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Surveillance for genetic markers of resistance can provide valuable information on the likely efficacy of antimalarials but needs to be targeted to ensure optimal use of resources. We conducted a systematic search and review of publications in seven databases to compile resistance marker data from studies in India. The sample collection from the studies identified from this search was conducted between 1994 and 2020, and these studies were published between 1994 and 2022. In all, Plasmodium falciparum Kelch13 (PfK13), P. falciparum dihydropteroate synthase, and P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (PfDHPS) genotype data from 2,953, 4,148, and 4,222 blood samples from patients with laboratory-confirmed malaria, respectively, were extracted from these publications and uploaded onto the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network molecular surveyors. These data were fed into hierarchical geostatistical models to produce maps with a predicted prevalence of the PfK13 and PfDHPS markers, and of the associated uncertainty. Zones with a predicted PfDHPS 540E prevalence of >15% were identified in central, eastern, and northeastern India. The predicted prevalence of PfK13 mutants was nonzero at only a few locations, but were within or adjacent to the zones with >15% prevalence of PfDHPS 540E. There may be a greater probability of artesunate-sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine failures in these regions, but these predictions need confirmation. This work can be applied in India and elsewhere to help identify the treatments most likely to be effective for malaria elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minu Nain
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Mehul Dhorda
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer A. Flegg
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Apoorv Gupta
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Lucinda E. Harrison
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sauman Singh-Phulgenda
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sabina D. Otienoburu
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Oxford, United Kingdom
- College of STEM, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Eli Harriss
- The Knowledge Centre, Bodleian Health Care Libraries, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Beauty Behera
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Manju Rahi
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
| | - Philippe J. Guerin
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Amit Sharma
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
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Munte CE, Kalbitzer HR. Solution structure and pressure response of thioredoxin-1 of Plasmodium falciparum. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301579. [PMID: 38635664 PMCID: PMC11025842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
We present here the solution structures of the protein thioredoxin-1 from Plasmodium falciparum (PfTrx-1), in its reduced and oxidized forms. They were determined by high-resolution NMR spectroscopy at 293 K on uniformly 13C-, 15N-enriched, matched samples allowing to identification of even small structural differences. PfTrx-1 shows an α/β-fold with a mixed five-stranded β-sheet that is sandwiched between 4 helices in a β1 α1 β2 α2 β3 α3 β4 β5 α4 topology. The redox process of the CGPC motif leads to significant structural changes accompanied by larger chemical shift changes from residue Phe25 to Ile36, Thr70 to Thr74, and Leu88 to Asn91. By high-field high-pressure NMR spectroscopy, rare conformational states can be identified that potentially are functionally important and can be used for targeted drug development. We performed these experiments in the pressure range from 0.1 MPa to 200 MPa. The mean combined, random-coil corrected B1* values of reduced and oxidized thioredoxin are quite similar with -0.145 and -0.114 ppm GPa-1, respectively. The mean combined, random-coil corrected B2* values in the reduced and oxidized form are 0.179 and 0.119 ppm GPa-2, respectively. The mean ratios of the pressure coefficients B2/B1 are -0.484 and -0.831 GPa-1 in the reduced and oxidized form respectively. They differ at some points in the structure after the formation of the disulfide bond between C30 and C33. The thermodynamical description of the pressure dependence of chemical shifts requires the assumption of at least three coexisting conformational states of PfTrx-1. These three conformational states were identified in the reduced as well as in the oxidized form of the protein, therefore, they represent sub-states of the two main oxidation states of PfTrx-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Elisabeth Munte
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry and Centre of Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry and Biomedicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hans Robert Kalbitzer
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry and Centre of Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry and Biomedicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Viana Dos Santos MB, Braga de Oliveira A, Veras Mourão RH. Brazilian plants with antimalarial activity: A review of the period from 2011 to 2022. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 322:117595. [PMID: 38122914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Malaria continues to be a serious global public health problem in subtropical and tropical countries of the world. The main drugs used in the treatment of human malaria, quinine and artemisinin, are isolates of medicinal plants, making the use of plants a widespread practice in countries where malaria is endemic. Over the years, due to the increased resistance of the parasite to chloroquine and artemisinin in certain regions, new strategies for combating malaria have been employed, including research with medicinal plants. AIM This review focuses on the scientific production regarding medicinal plants from Brazil whose antimalarial activity was evaluated during the period from 2011 to 2022. 2. METHODOLOGY For this review, four electronic databases were selected for research: Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Scielo and Periódicos CAPES. Searches were made for full texts published in the form of scientific articles written in Portuguese or English and in a digital format. In addition, prospects for new treatments as well as future research that encourages the search for natural products and antimalarial derivatives are also presented. RESULTS A total of 61 publications were encountered, which cited 36 botanical families and 92 species using different Plasmodium strains in in vitro and in vivo assays. The botanical families with the most expressive number of species found were Rubiaceae, Apocynaceae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae (14, 14, 9 and 6 species, respectively), and the most frequently cited species were of the genera Psychotria L. (8) and Aspidosperma Mart. (12), which belong to the families Rubiaceae and Apocynaceae. Altogether, 75 compounds were identified or isolated from 28 different species, 31 of which are alkaloids. In addition, the extracts of the analyzed species, including the isolated compounds, showed a significant reduction of parasitemia in P. falciparum and P. berghei, especially in the clones W2 CQ-R (in vitro) and ANKA (in vivo), respectively. The Brazilian regions with the highest number of species analyzed were those of the north, especially the states of Pará and Amazonas, and the southeast, especially the state of Minas Gerais. CONCLUSION Although many plant species with antimalarial potential have been identified in Brazil, studies of new antimalarial molecules are slow and have not evolved to the production of a phytotherapeutic medicine. Given this, investigations of plants of traditional use and biotechnological approaches are necessary for the discovery of natural antimalarial products that contribute to the treatment of the disease in the country and in other endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Beatriz Viana Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Bioprospecção e Biologia Experimental - LabBBEx, Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz, s/n, Salé, 68035-110, Santarém, PA, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Doutorado em Rede de Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia - BIONORTE/Polo Pará. Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa, 01, Guamá, 66075-110, Belém, PA, Brazil.
| | - Alaíde Braga de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Bioprospecção e Biologia Experimental - LabBBEx, Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz, s/n, Salé, 68035-110, Santarém, PA, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Doutorado em Rede de Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia - BIONORTE/Polo Pará. Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa, 01, Guamá, 66075-110, Belém, PA, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas - PPGCF, Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Rosa Helena Veras Mourão
- Laboratório de Bioprospecção e Biologia Experimental - LabBBEx, Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz, s/n, Salé, 68035-110, Santarém, PA, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Doutorado em Rede de Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia - BIONORTE/Polo Pará. Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa, 01, Guamá, 66075-110, Belém, PA, Brazil
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Cai TY, Ji JB, Wang X, Xing J. Targeted screening of the synergistic components in Artemisia annua L. leading to enhanced antiplasmodial potency of artemisinin based on a "top down" PD-PK approach. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 322:117612. [PMID: 38135228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Artemisinin (ART) showed enhanced antimalarial potency in the herb Artemisia annua L. (A. annua), from which ART is isolated. Increased absorption of ART with inhibited metabolism in the plant matrix is an underlying mechanism. Several synergistic components have been reported based on a "bottom-up" approach, i.e., traditional isolation followed by pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic evaluation. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, we employed a "top-down" approach based on in vivo antimalarial and pharmacokinetic studies to identify synergistic components in A. annua. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two A. annua extracts in different chemical composition were obtained by extraction using ethyl acetate (EA) and petroleum ether (PE). The synergistic antimalarial activity of ART in two extracts was compared both in vitro (Plasmodium falciparum) and in vivo (murine Plasmodium yoelii). For the PD-PK correlation analysis, the pharmacokinetic profiles of ART and its major metabolite (ART-M) were investigated in healthy rats after a single oral administration of pure ART (20 mg/kg) or equivalent ART in each A. annua extract. A liquid chromatography-tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS)-based analytical strategy was then applied for efficient component classification and structural characterization of the differential components in the targeted extract with a higher antimalarial potency. Major components isolated from the targeted extract were then evaluated for their synergistic effect in the same proportion. RESULTS Compared with pure ART (ED50, 5.6 mg/kg), ART showed enhanced antimalarial potency in two extracts in vivo (ED50 of EA, 2.9 mg/kg; ED50 of PE, 1.6 mg/kg), but not in vitro (IC50, 15.0-20.0 nM). A significant increase (1.7-fold) in ART absorption (AUC0-t) was found in rats after a single oral dose of equivalent ART in PE but not in EA; however, no significant change in the metabolic capability (AUCART-M/AUCART) was found for ART in either extract. The differential component analysis of the two extracts showed a higher composition of sesquiterpene compounds, especially component AB (3.0% in PE vs. 0.9% in EA) and component AA (14.1% in PE vs. 5.1% in EA). Two target sesquiterpenes were isolated and identified as arteannuin B (AB) and artemisinic acid (AA). The synergism between ART and AB/AA in the same proportion with PE extract (20:1.6:7.6, mg/kg) was verified by a pharmacokinetic study in rats. CONCLUSIONS A "top-down" strategy based on PD-PK studies was successfully employed to identify synergistic components for ART in A. annua. Two sesquiterpene compounds (arteannuin B and artemisinic acid) could enhance the antimalarial potency of ART by increasing its absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Yu Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jian-Bo Ji
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Xing
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Adebayo GP, Oduselu GO, Aderohunmu DV, Klika KD, Olasehinde GI, Ajani OO, Adebiyi E. Structure-based design, and development of amidinyl, amidoximyl and hydroxamic acid based organic molecules as novel antimalarial drug candidates. ARAB J CHEM 2024; 17:105573. [PMID: 38283036 PMCID: PMC10810238 DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2023.105573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a significant global health concern causing numerous fatalities and the emergence of antimalarial drug resistance highlights the urgent need for novel therapeutic options with innovative mechanisms of action and targets. This study aimed to design potential inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase (PfPTPS), synthesize them, and experimentally validate their efficacy as antimalarial agents. A structure-based approach was employed to design a series of novel derivatives, including amidinyl, amidoximyl and hydroxamic acid analogs (1c, 1d, 2b, and 3b), with a focus on their ability to bind to the Zn2+ present in the active site of PfPTPS. The syntheses of these compounds were accomplished through various multi-step synthetic pathways and their structural identities were confirmed using 1H and 13C NMR spectra, mass spectra, and elemental analysis. The compounds were screened for their antiplasmodial activity against the NF54 strain of P. falciparum and in vitro cytotoxicity testing was performed using L-6 cells. The in vivo acute toxicity of the compounds was evaluated in mice. Docking studies of the compounds with the 3D structure of PfPTPS revealed their strong binding affinities, with compound 3b exhibiting notable metal-acceptor interaction with the Zn2+ in the protein binding pocket thereby positioning it as a lead compound for PfPTPS inhibition. The in vitro antiplasmodial studies revealed moderate efficacies against the Pf NF54 strain, particularly compounds 1d and 3b which displayed IC50 < 0.2 μM. No significant cytotoxicity was noted on the L-6 rat cell line. Moreover, in vivo studies suggested that compound 3b exhibited both safety and efficacy in treating rodent malaria. The identified lead compound in this study represents a possible candidate for antimalarial drug development and can be further explored in the search for alternative antifolate drugs to combat the malaria menace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glory P. Adebayo
- Covenant University Bioinformatics Research (CUBRe), Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Biological Sciences Department, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
| | - Gbolahan O. Oduselu
- Covenant University Bioinformatics Research (CUBRe), Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
| | | | - Karel D. Klika
- NMR Structural Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Grace I. Olasehinde
- Covenant University Bioinformatics Research (CUBRe), Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Biological Sciences Department, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE), Covenant University, Ota 112233, Nigeria
| | - Olayinka O. Ajani
- Covenant University Bioinformatics Research (CUBRe), Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE), Covenant University, Ota 112233, Nigeria
- Department of Chemistry, Covenant University, Covenant University, Km 10 Idiroko Road, P.M.B. 1023 Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Ezekiel Adebiyi
- Covenant University Bioinformatics Research (CUBRe), Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE), Covenant University, Ota 112233, Nigeria
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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de Freitas BS, Fernandes GH, Pereira ACEDS, Peixoto HM. Artesunate-mefloquine therapy for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy and safety. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:84-94. [PMID: 37772768 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad069] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
To provide a continuous update on the safety and efficacy of artesunate-mefloquine (ASMQ) compared with other artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) schemes used in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, this study updated and expanded the results of the systematic literature review published in 2016. Only randomised controlled clinical trials published from 1 January 2001 to 12 June 2023 from five databases were included in this study. The results related to efficacy, expressed through RR, were summarized in meta-analyses, performed according to the compared ACTs and with the intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. The results related to safety were synthesized in a descriptive manner. Thirty-two studies were included, of which 24 had been analysed in the 2016 review and eight new ones were added. Although the methodological quality of most studies was considered moderate, the body of evidence gathered indicates that ASMQ continues to be safe and effective for the treatment of uncomplicated infections caused by P. falciparum compared with other ACTs. However, the inclusion of two new studies, which identified failure rates exceeding 10%, suggests a possible reduction in the efficacy of ASMQ in the analysed locations. The incidence of serious adverse effects, such as seizure, encephalopathy and cardiac arrhythmia, was infrequent in both the ASMQ group and the comparison groups. After including new evidence, ASMQ is still recommended as a first-line treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by P. falciparum, although local aspects need to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Sales de Freitas
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, University Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Haiek Fernandes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, University Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | | | - Henry Maia Peixoto
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, University Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, University of Brasília (UnB), University Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70904970 Brazil
- National Institute for Science and Technology for Health Technology Assessment (IATS/CNPq), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90035-903, Brazil
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11
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Li H, Zhu X, Sun Z, Wang Q, Song S, Xu Y, He G, Mao X. Bruceine B Displays Potent Antimyeloma Activity by Inducing the Degradation of the Transcription Factor c-Maf. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:176-185. [PMID: 38230274 PMCID: PMC10789117 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The oncogenic transcription factor c-Maf has been proposed as an ideal therapeutic target for multiple myeloma (MM), a not-yet-curable malignancy of plasma cells. In the present study, we establish a c-Maf-based luciferase screen system and apply it to screen a homemade library composed of natural products from which bruceine B (BB) is identified to display potent antimyeloma activity. BB is a key ingredient isolated from the Chinese traditional medicinal plant Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. (Simaroubaceae). BB inhibits MM cell proliferation and induces MM cell apoptosis in a caspase-3-dependent manner. The mechanism studies showed that BB inhibits c-Maf transcriptional activity and downregulates the expression of CCND2 and ITGB7, the downstream genes typically modulated by c-Maf. Moreover, BB induces c-Maf degradation via proteasomes by inducing c-Maf for K48-linked polyubiquitination in association with downregulated Otub1 and USP5, two proven deubiquitinases of c-Maf. We also found that c-Maf activates STAT3 and BB suppresses the STAT3 signaling. In the in vivo study, BB displays potent antimyeloma activity and almost suppresses the growth of myeloma xenografts in 7 days but shows no overt toxicity to mice. In conclusion, this study identifies BB as a novel inhibitor of c-Maf by promoting its degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway. Given the safety and the successful clinical application of bruceine products in traditional medicine, BB is ensured for further investigation for the treatment of patients with MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyue Li
- Institute
of Clinical Pharmacology, Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation,
School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou
Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoting Zhu
- Institute
of Clinical Pharmacology, Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation,
School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou
Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, P. R. China
| | - Ziying Sun
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation,
School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou
Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, P. R. China
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute
of Clinical Pharmacology, Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shaojiang Song
- Department
of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Shenyang
Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yujia Xu
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation,
School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou
Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, P. R. China
| | - Guisong He
- Department
of Orthopaedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, P. R. China
| | - Xinliang Mao
- Institute
of Clinical Pharmacology, Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation,
School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou
Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, P. R. China
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12
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Watson DJ, Laing L, Petzer JP, Wong HN, Parkinson CJ, Wiesner L, Haynes RK. Efficacies and ADME properties of redox active methylene blue and phenoxazine analogues for use in new antimalarial triple drug combinations with amino-artemisinins. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1308400. [PMID: 38259296 PMCID: PMC10800708 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1308400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Efforts to develop new artemisinin triple combination therapies effective against artemisinin-tolerant strains of Plasmodium falciparum based on rational combinations comprising artemisone or other amino-artemisinins, a redox active drug and a third drug with a different mode of action have now been extended to evaluation of three potential redox partners. These are the diethyl analogue AD01 of methylene blue (MB), the benzo [α]phenoxazine PhX6, and the thiosemicarbazone DpNEt. IC50 values in vitro against CQ-sensitive and resistant P. falciparum strains ranged from 11.9 nM for AD01-41.8 nM for PhX6. PhX6 possessed the most favourable pharmacokinetic (PK) profile: intrinsic clearance rate CLint was 21.47 ± 1.76 mL/min/kg, bioavailability was 60% and half-life was 7.96 h. AD01 presented weaker, but manageable pharmacokinetic properties with a rapid CLint of 74.41 ± 6.68 mL/min/kg leading to a half-life of 2.51 ± 0.07 h and bioavailability of 15%. DpNEt exhibited a half-life of 1.12 h and bioavailability of 8%, data which discourage its further examination, despite a low CLint of 10.20 mL/min/kg and a high Cmax of 6.32 µM. Efficacies of AD01 and PhX6 were enhanced synergistically when each was paired with artemisone against asexual blood stages of P. falciparum NF54 in vitro. The favourable pharmacokinetics of PhX6 indicate this is the best partner among the compounds examined thus far for artemisone. Future work will focus on extending the drug combination studies to artemiside in vitro, and conducting efficacy studies in vivo for artemisone with each of PhX6 and the related benzo[α]phenoxazine SSJ-183.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Watson
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lizahn Laing
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jacobus P. Petzer
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Ho Ning Wong
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Lubbe Wiesner
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Richard K. Haynes
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
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13
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Ge A, He Q, Zhao D, Li Y, Chen J, Deng Y, Xiang W, Fan H, Wu S, Li Y, Liu L, Wang Y. Mechanism of ferroptosis in breast cancer and research progress of natural compounds regulating ferroptosis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18044. [PMID: 38140764 PMCID: PMC10805512 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18044] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide and its incidence increases with age, posing a significant threat to women's health globally. Due to the clinical heterogeneity of breast cancer, the majority of patients develop drug resistance and metastasis following treatment. Ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death dependent on iron, is characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides, elevated levels of iron ions and lipid peroxidation. The underlying mechanisms and signalling pathways associated with ferroptosis are intricate and interconnected, involving various proteins and enzymes such as the cystine/glutamate antiporter, glutathione peroxidase 4, ferroptosis inhibitor 1 and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. Consequently, emerging research suggests that ferroptosis may offer a novel target for breast cancer treatment; however, the mechanisms of ferroptosis in breast cancer urgently require resolution. Additionally, certain natural compounds have been reported to induce ferroptosis, thereby interfering with breast cancer. Therefore, this review not only discusses the molecular mechanisms of multiple signalling pathways that mediate ferroptosis in breast cancer (including metastasis, invasion and proliferation) but also elaborates on the mechanisms by which natural compounds induce ferroptosis in breast cancer. Furthermore, this review summarizes potential compound types that may serve as ferroptosis inducers in future tumour cells, providing lead compounds for the development of ferroptosis-inducing agents. Last, this review proposes the potential synergy of combining natural compounds with traditional breast cancer drugs in the treatment of breast cancer, thereby suggesting future directions and offering new insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Ge
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Qi He
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang CityNingxiangChina
| | - Da Zhao
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
- Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Yuwei Li
- Hunan University of Science and TechnologyXiangtanChina
| | - Junpeng Chen
- Hunan University of Science and TechnologyXiangtanChina
| | - Ying Deng
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang CityNingxiangChina
| | - Wang Xiang
- The First People's Hospital Changde CityChangdeChina
| | - Hongqiao Fan
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Shiting Wu
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Yan Li
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang CityNingxiangChina
| | - Lifang Liu
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Yue Wang
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
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14
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Lagardère P, Mustière R, Amanzougaghene N, Hutter S, Casanova M, Franetich JF, Tajeri S, Malzert-Fréon A, Corvaisier S, Since M, Azas N, Vanelle P, Verhaeghe P, Primas N, Mazier D, Masurier N, Lisowski V. Novel thienopyrimidones targeting hepatic and erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium parasites with increased microsomal stability. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115873. [PMID: 37857143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Based on the structure of a previously identified hit, Gamhepathiopine 1, which showed promising antiplasmodial activity, but poor microsomal stability, several strategies were investigated to improve the metabolic stability of the compounds. This included the introduction of fluorine or deuterium atoms, as well as carbocyclic groups. Among the new compounds, the 2-aminocyclobutyl derivative 5g demonstrated enhanced microsomal stability compared to compound 1, while retaining antiplasmodial activity against erythrocytic and hepatic stages of Plasmodium, without significant cytotoxicity against primary hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prisca Lagardère
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Montpellier, France
| | - Romain Mustière
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, Equipe Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, 13385 Marseille cedex 05, France
| | - Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI), INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Hutter
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Marion Casanova
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-François Franetich
- Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI), INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Shahin Tajeri
- Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI), INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Marc Since
- CERMN, Université de Caen Normandie, UNICAEN, France
| | - Nadine Azas
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Patrice Vanelle
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, Equipe Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, 13385 Marseille cedex 05, France; AP-HM, Hôpital Conception, Service Central de la Qualité et de l'Information Pharmaceutiques, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Verhaeghe
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DPM UMR 5063, F-38041, Grenoble, France; LCC-CNRS Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France; CHU de Nîmes, Service de Pharmacie, Nîmes, France
| | - Nicolas Primas
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, Equipe Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, 13385 Marseille cedex 05, France; AP-HM, Hôpital Conception, Service Central de la Qualité et de l'Information Pharmaceutiques, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Dominique Mazier
- Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI), INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Masurier
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Montpellier, France.
| | - Vincent Lisowski
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Montpellier, France.
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15
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Pal C. Redox modulating small molecules having antimalarial efficacy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115927. [PMID: 37992998 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The search for effective antimalarial agents remains a critical priority because malaria is widely spread and drug-resistant strains are becoming more prevalent. In this review, a variety of small molecules capable of modulating redox processes were showcased for their potential as antimalarial agents. The compounds were designed to target the redox balance of Plasmodium parasites, which has a pivotal function in their ability to survive and multiply within the host organism. A thorough screening method was utilized to assess the effectiveness of these compounds against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the malaria-causing parasite. The results revealed that several of the tested compounds exhibited significant effectiveness against malaria, displaying IC50 values at a low micromolar range. Furthermore, these compounds displayed promising selectivity for the parasite, as they exhibited low cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells. Thorough mechanistic studies were undertaken to clarify how the active compounds exert their mode of action. The findings revealed that these compounds disrupted the parasites' redox balance, causing oxidative stress and interfering with essential cellular functions. Additionally, the compounds showed synergistic effects when combined with existing antimalarial drugs, suggesting their potential for combination therapies to combat drug resistance. Overall, this study highlights the potential of redox-modulating small molecules as effective antimalarial agents. The identified compounds demonstrate promising antimalarial activity, and their mechanism of action offers insights into targeting the redox balance of Plasmodium parasites. Further optimization and preclinical studies are warranted to determine their efficacy, safety, and potential for clinical development as novel antimalarial therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay Pal
- Department of Chemistry, Gobardanga Hindu College, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal 743273, India.
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16
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Kusman IT, Pradini GW, Ma’ruf IF, Fauziah N, Berbudi A, Achadiyani A, Wiraswati HL. The Potentials of Ageratum conyzoides and Other Plants from Asteraceae as an Antiplasmodial and Insecticidal for Malaria Vector: An Article Review. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:7109-7138. [PMID: 37954507 PMCID: PMC10638911 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s433328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria is a life-threatening disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) used as an antimalarial treatment has reduced efficacy due to resistance, not only to the parasite but also to the vector. Therefore, it is important to find alternatives to overcome malaria cases through medicinal plants such as Ageratum conyzoides and other related plants within Asteraceae family. Purpose This review summarizes the antimalarial and insecticidal activities of A. conyzoides and other plants belonging to Asteraceae family. Data Source Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Springer link. Study Selection Online databases were used to retrieve journals using specific keywords combined with Boolean operators. The inclusion criteria were articles with experimental studies either in vivo or in vitro, in English or Indonesian, published after 1st January 2000, and full text available for inclusion in this review. Data Extraction The antimalarial activity, insecticidal activity, and structure of the isolated compounds were retrieved from the selected studies. Data Synthesis Antimalarial in vitro study showed that the dichloromethane extract was the most widely studied with an IC50 value <10 μg/mL. Among 84 isolated active compounds, 2-hydroxymethyl-non-3-ynoic acid 2-[2,2']-bithiophenyl-5- ethyl ester, a bithienyl compound from the Tagetes erecta plant show the smallest IC50 with value 0.01 and 0.02 µg/mL in Plasmodium falciparum MRC-pf-2 and MRC-pf-56, respectively. In vivo studies showed that the aqueous extract of A. conyzoides showed the best activity, with a 98.8% inhibition percentage using a 100 mg/kg dose of Plasmodium berghei (NK65 Strain). (Z)- γ-Bisabolene from Galinsoga parviflora showed very good insecticidal activity against Anopheles stephensi and Anopheles subpictus with LC50 values of 2.04 μg/mL and 4.05 μg/mL. Conclusion A. conyzoides and other plants of Asteraceae family are promising reservoirs of natural compounds that exert antimalarial or insecticidal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gita Widya Pradini
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
| | - Ilma Fauziah Ma’ruf
- Research Center for Climate and Atmosphere, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bandung, 40135Indonesia
| | - Nisa Fauziah
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
| | - Afiat Berbudi
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
| | - Achadiyani Achadiyani
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
| | - Hesti Lina Wiraswati
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
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17
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D'Agostino I, Zara S, Carradori S, De Luca V, Capasso C, Kocken CHM, Zeeman AM, Angeli A, Carta F, Supuran CT. Antimalarial Agents Targeting Plasmodium falciparum Carbonic Anhydrase: Towards Artesunate Hybrid Compounds with Dual Mechanism of Action. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300267. [PMID: 37697903 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300267] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Malaria continues to be a major public health challenge worldwide and, as part of the global effort toward malaria eradication, plasmodium carbonic anhydrases (CAs) have recently been proposed as potential targets for malaria treatment. In this study, a series of eight hybrid compounds combining the Artesunate core with a sulfonamide moiety were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibition potency against the widely expressed human (h) CAs I, II and the isoform from P. falciparum (PfCA). All derivatives demonstrated high inhibition potency against PfCA, achieving a KI value in the sub-nanomolar range (0.35 nM). Two Compounds showed a selectivity index of 4.1 and 3.1, respectively, against this protozoan isoform compared to hCA II. Three Derivatives showed no cytotoxic effects on human gingival fibroblasts at 50 μM with a high killing rate against both P. falciparum and P. knowlesi strains with IC50 in the sub-nanomolar range, providing a wide therapeutic window. Our findings suggest that these compounds may serve as promising leads for developing new antimalarial drugs and warrant further investigation, including activity against antimalarial-resistant strains, mode of action studies, and in vivo efficacy assessment in preclinical mouse models of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria D'Agostino
- Department of Pharmacy "G. d'Annunzio", University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Susi Zara
- Department of Pharmacy "G. d'Annunzio", University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Simone Carradori
- Department of Pharmacy "G. d'Annunzio", University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Viviana De Luca
- Istituto di Bioscienze e Biorisorse CNR, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Clemens H M Kocken
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Center, 2288, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Anne-Marie Zeeman
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Center, 2288, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Angeli
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino FL, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Carta
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino FL, Italy
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino FL, Italy
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18
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Osoro CB, Dellicour S, Ochodo E, Young T, Ter Kuile FO, Gutman JR, Hill J. Perceptions and drivers of healthcare provider and drug dispenser practices for the treatment of malaria in pregnancy in the context of multiple first-line therapies in western Kenya: a qualitative study. Malar J 2023; 22:274. [PMID: 37710229 PMCID: PMC10503024 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04698-w] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergence of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to artemether-lumefantrine in Africa prompted the pilot introduction of multiple first-line therapies (MFT) against malaria in Kenya, potentially exposing women-of-childbearing-age (WOCBAs) to anti-malarials with unknown safety profiles in the first trimester. This qualitative study explored knowledge and perceptions among healthcare providers providing malaria treatment to WOCBAs and pregnant women. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with purposively selected public and private health facility (HF) and drug outlet (DO) providers within and outside the pilot-MFT area. County health managers were interviewed about their knowledge of the national treatment guidelines. Transcripts were coded by content analysis using the World Health Organization health system building blocks (leadership/governance, financing, health workforce, health information systems, access to medicines, and service delivery). RESULTS Thirty providers (HF:21, DO:9) and three health managers were interviewed. Eighteen providers were from HFs in the pilot-MFT area; the remaining three and all nine DOs were outside the pilot-MFT area. The analysis revealed that providers had not been trained in malaria case management in the previous twelve months. DO providers were unfamiliar with national treatment guidelines in pregnancy and reported having no pregnancy tests. Health managers were unable to supervise DOs due to resource limitations. Providers from HFs and DOs noted poor sensitivity of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and hesitancy among patients who associated malaria-RDTs with HIV testing. Almost all providers reported anti-malarial stock-outs, with quinine most affected. Patient preference was a major factor in prescribing anti-malarials. Providers in HFs and DOs reported preferentially using artemether-lumefantrine in the first trimester due to the side effects and unavailability of quinine. CONCLUSION Knowledge of malaria case management in drug outlets and health facilities remains poor. Improved regulation of DO providers is warranted. Optimizing treatment of malaria in pregnancy requires training, availability of malaria commodities, and pregnancy tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline B Osoro
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya.
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa.
| | - Stephanie Dellicour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Taryn Young
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Jenny Hill
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
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Osoro CB, Dellicour S, Ochodo E, Young T, Ter Kuile F, Gutman JR, Hill J. Healthcare provider and drug dispenser knowledge and adherence to guidelines for the case management of malaria in pregnancy in the context of multiple first-line artemisinin-based combination therapy in western Kenya. Malar J 2023; 22:262. [PMID: 37679753 PMCID: PMC10486056 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04692-2] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns about emerging resistance to artemether-lumefantrine (AL) in Africa prompted the pilot introduction of multiple first-line therapies (MFT) in Western Kenya, potentially exposing women-of-childbearing-age (WOCBA) to anti-malarials with unknown safety profiles in the first trimester. The study assessed healthcare provider knowledge and adherence to national guidelines for managing malaria in pregnancy in the context of the MFT pilot. METHODS From March to April 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 health facilities (HF) and 40 drug outlets (DO) using structured questionnaires to assess pregnancy detection, malaria diagnosis, and treatment choices by trimester. Differences between HF and DO providers and between MFT and non-MFT HFs were assessed using Chi-square tests. RESULTS Of 174 providers (77% HF, 23% DO), 56% were from MFT pilot facilities. Most providers had tertiary education; 5% HF and 20% DO had only primary or secondary education. More HF than DO providers had knowledge of malaria treatment guidelines (62% vs. 40%, p = 0.023), received training in malaria in pregnancy (49% vs. 20%, p = 0.002), and reported assessing for pregnancy in WOCBA (98% vs. 78%, p < 0.001). Most providers insisted on parasitological diagnosis, with 59% HF using microscopy and 85% DO using rapid diagnostic tests. More HF than DO providers could correctly name the drugs for treating uncomplicated malaria in the first trimester (oral quinine, or AL if quinine is unavailable) (90% vs. 58%, p < 0.001), second and third trimesters (artemisinin-based combination therapy) (84% vs. 70%, p = 0.07), and for severe malaria (parenteral artesunate/artemether) (94% vs. 60%, p < 0.001). Among HF providers, those in the MFT pilot had more knowledge of malaria treatment guidelines (67% vs. 49%, p = 0.08) and had received training on treatment of malaria in pregnancy (56% vs. 32%, p = 0.03). Few providers (10% HF and 12% DO) had adequate knowledge of malaria treatment in pregnancy, defined as the correct drug and dose for uncomplicated and severe malaria in all trimesters. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of national malaria in pregnancy treatment guidelines among providers in Western Kenya is suboptimal. Robust training on appropriate anti-malarial and dosage is needed, particularly given the recent change in recommendation for artemether-lumefantrine use in the first trimester. Supervision of DO and HF practices is essential for correct treatment of malaria in pregnancy in the context of MFT programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline B Osoro
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya.
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa.
| | - Stephanie Dellicour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Taryn Young
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Feiko Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Jenny Hill
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
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20
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Gehlot P, Vyas VK. Recent advances on patents of Plasmodium falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase ( PfDHODH) inhibitors as antimalarial agents. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:579-596. [PMID: 37942637 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2280596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pyrimidine nucleotides are essential for the parasite's growth and replication. Parasites have only a de novo pathway for the biosynthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) enzyme is involved in the rate-limiting step of the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway. DHODH is a biochemical target for the discovery of new antimalarial agents. AREA COVERED This review discussed the development of patented PfDHODH inhibitors published between 2007 and 2023 along with their chemical structures and activities. EXPERT OPINION PfDHODH enzyme is involved in the rate-limiting fourth step of the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway. Thus, inhibition of PfDHODH using species-selective inhibitors has drawn much attention for treating malaria because they inhibit parasite growth without affecting normal human functions. Looking at the current scenario of antimalarial drug resistance with most of the available antimalarial drugs, there is a huge need for targeted newer agents. Newer agents with unique mechanisms of action may be devoid of drug toxicity, adverse effects, and the ability of parasites to quickly gain resistance, and PfDHODH inhibitors can be those newer agents. Many PfDHODH inhibitors were patented in the past, and the dependency of Plasmodium on de novo pyrimidine provided a new approach for the development of novel antimalarial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinky Gehlot
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Vivek K Vyas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, India
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21
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DANIS M. [Malaria today]. MEDECINE TROPICALE ET SANTE INTERNATIONALE 2023; 3:mtsi.v3i2.2023.375. [PMID: 37525676 PMCID: PMC10387315 DOI: 10.48327/mtsi.v3i2.2023.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Malaria, a parasitic disease the pathogen of which was discovered by Alphonse Laveran in 1880 in the blood of febrile patients, remains in 2022 the most frequent endemic disease in tropical and subtropical countries. In its latest "World Malaria Report" available in November 2021, the WHO deals in great detail with the data collected in the field in 2019-2020, their progression over the last 20 years, and the measures to be taken to try to better control this life-threatening endemic. The number of malaria cases is estimated at 232 million in 2019 in 87 endemic countries, down from 245 million in 2000. The WHO African Region alone accounts for 94% of cases and the most frequent and severe infections due to Plasmodium falciparum species. If children under the age of 5 are not treated promptly, they can die. Globally, the number of malaria deaths declined steadily over the period 2000-2019, from 897,000 in 2000 to 568,000 in 2019, with nearly 95% of deaths occurring in 31 countries, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. In other WHO regions, including Southeast Asia, malaria deaths decreased by 74%, with 35,000 deaths in 2000 compared to 9,000 in 2019. Malaria can be controlled worldwide, and possibly eradicated, if public information campaigns are strengthened and sufficient funds are made available.
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Lopes EA, Santos MMM, Mori M. Antimalarial drugs: what's new in the patents? Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:151-168. [PMID: 37060305 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2203814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The efficacy of current therapeutic warheads in preventing malaria transmission or treating the disease is often hampered by the emergence of drug-resistance. No effective vaccines are available to date, and novel drugs able to counteract drug-resistant forms of malaria and/or to target multiple stages of the parasite's lifecycle are urgently needed. AREAS COVERED This review covers patents that protect antimalarial small molecules bearing the artemisinin or other chemical scaffolds, as well as vaccines, that have been published in the period 2015-2022. Literature was searched in public databases of articles and patents. Patents protecting small molecules that prevent malaria transmission are not discussed herein. EXPERT OPINION Significant progress has been made in the design of antimalarial agents. Most of these candidates have been tested in standardized strains, with the use of Plasmodium clinical isolates for testing still underdeveloped. Several compounds have been profiled in in vivo mouse models of malaria, including humanised mice. Despite having different efficacy, these new molecules might further progress the field and hopefully will advance to clinical development soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Lopes
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria M M Santos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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23
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Miglianico M, Bolscher JM, Vos MW, Koolen KJM, de Bruijni M, Rajagopal DS, Chen E, Kiczun M, Gray D, Campo B, Sauerwein RW, Dechering KJ. Assessment of the drugability of initial malaria infection through miniaturized sporozoite assays and high-throughput screening. Commun Biol 2023; 6:216. [PMID: 36823266 PMCID: PMC9950425 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04599-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The sporozoite stages of malaria parasites are the primary cause of infection of the vertebrate host and are targeted by (experimental) vaccines. Yet, little is known about their susceptibility to chemical intervention. Phenotypic high-throughput screens have not been feasible due to a lack of in vitro systems. Here we tested 78 marketed and experimental antimalarial compounds in miniaturized assays addressing sporozoite viability, gliding motility, hepatocyte traversal, and intrahepatocytic schizogony. None potently interfered with sporozoite viability or motility but ten compounds acted at the level of schizogony with IC50s < 100 nM. To identify compounds directly targeting sporozoites, we screened 81,000 compounds from the Global Health Diversity and reFRAME libraries in a sporozoite viability assay using a parasite expressing a luciferase reporter driven by the circumsporozoite promoter. The ionophore gramicidin emerged as the single hit from this screening campaign. Its effect on sporozoite viability translated into reduced gliding motility and an inability of sporozoites to invade human primary hepatocytes and develop into hepatic schizonts. While providing proof of concept for a small molecule sporontocidal mode of action, our combined data indicate that liver schizogony is more accessible to chemical intervention by (candidate) antimalarials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Emily Chen
- Calibr, a division of The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Michael Kiczun
- Drug Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - David Gray
- Drug Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Brice Campo
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, Geneva, Switzerland
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Kong D, Wang L, Niu Y, Cheng L, Sang B, Wang D, Tian J, Zhao W, Liu X, Chen Y, Wang F, Zhou H, Jia R. Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f.) Ettingsh. and Dendrophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq.: A review of traditional medical uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and applications. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1096379. [PMID: 36817117 PMCID: PMC9934394 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1096379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f.) Ettingsh. (DF) and Dendrophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq. (DP) have been traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments, such as cancer, ulcers, asthma, paralysis, skin diseases, tuberculosis, and menstrual troubles, in the ethnomedicinal systems of India and Indonesia. Currently, the chemical structures of 46 compounds have been elucidated from DF and DP, including flavonoids, triterpenes, tannins, steroids, open-chain aliphatics, benzyl derivates, and cyclic chain derivatives. In vitro assays have revealed their anti-tumor and anti-microbial activities. In vivo studies have unraveled their pharmacological properties against tumors, depression, fertility disorders, inflammatory responses, and so on. Additionally, their weak toxicity to rats and brine shrimp, as well as their promising applications for pharmaceutical preparations and combined medication, were also revealed. Herein, we not only recapitulated traditional medical uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and applications of DF and DP but also discussed current research limitations and future perspectives, which are instructive for those interested in them and are committed to advancing parasitic plants to the Frontier of phytomedicine. We highlighted that DF and DP will become promising medical plants rather than being discarded as notorious pests, provided that more and deeper research is undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Degang Kong
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lu Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yingshuo Niu
- Jinan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lingmei Cheng
- Jinan Third People’s Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bo Sang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Taian City Central Hospital, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Jinli Tian
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xue Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yueru Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fulin Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Honglei Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ruyi Jia
- Jinan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Promoting self‐healing power and balancing immune response: a holistic, effective strategy of traditional Chinese medicine in treating COVID‐19. PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH. MODERN CHINESE MEDICINE 2022; 5:100199. [PMCID: PMC9674391 DOI: 10.1016/j.prmcm.2022.100199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious challenge to human medicines. Modern medicine (MM) has been excellent in identifying the virus, sequencing its mutants, and monitoring the pandemic progress. However, due to lack of effective antivirals in the first two years of the pandemic, MM treated COVID-19 mainly by conventional supportive care with limited efficacy. In China, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been actively participating the control of COVID-19, and the combination of TCM and conventional supportive care has shown better efficacies than the conventional care alone. Purpose: Clinical studies have shown that TCM treats COVID-19 through a holistic action, such as repairing organ injuries, anti-inflammation, immunoregulation and antiviral activities, etc. However, it is not clear how TCM is able to achieve these effects, and the scientific interpretation of TCM theories is lacking. This review aims to elucidate the scientific basis underlying TCM theories in the context of host-pathogen interaction and provide a working model for TCM in treating infectious diseases. Procedure: This review focuses on the essential components of host-pathogen interaction and performs an in-depth analysis of current literatures, including TCM theories and clinical studies as well as the most recent findings of tolerance (self-healing) mechanism in biomedical sciences. Conclusion: TCM treats COVID-19 through a holistic regulation of host responses, particularly by promoting patients’ self-healing power and balancing immune responses. Compared to the pathogen-centered MM, the host-centered TCM doesn't require specific antivirals and has less side-effects and drug resistance. This review provides a scientific insight into the mechanism of TCM and sheds a light on the prospective integration of TCM and MM for future challenges.
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