Neolignans isolated from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae) exhibit efficacy against Schistosoma mansoni

Author(s):Show less -

Brito, Juliana R. ; Wilairatana, Polrat ; Roquini, Daniel B. ; Parra, Beatriz C. ; Goncalves, Marina M. ; Souza, Dalete Christine S. ; Ferreira, Edgard A. ; Salvadori, Maria C. ; Teixeira, Fernanda S. ; Lago, Joao Henrique G. ; de Moraes, Josue

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 12, n. 1, p. 12-pg., 2022-11-11.

Abstract

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by the blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma, affects over 230 million people, especially in developing countries. Despite the significant economic and public health consequences, only one drug is currently available for treatment of schistosomiasis, praziquantel. Thus, there is an urgent demand for new anthelmintic agents. Based on our continuous studies involving the chemical prospection of floristic biodiversity aiming to discover new bioactive compounds, this work reports the in vitro antiparasitic activity against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms of neolignans threo-austrobailignan-6 and verrucosin, both isolated from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae). These neolignans showed a significant in vitro schistosomicidal activity, with EC50 values of 12.6-28.1 mu M. Further analysis revealed a pronounced reduction in the number of S. mansoni eggs. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed morphological alterations when schistosomes were exposed to either threo-austrobailignan-6 or verrucosin. These relevant antischistosomal properties were accompanied by low cytotoxicity potential against the animal (Vero) and human (HaCaT) cell lines, resulting in a high selectivity index. Considering the promising chemical and biological properties of threo-austrobailignan-6 and verrucosin, this research should be of interest to those in the area of neglected diseases and in particular antischistosomal drug discovery. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/01441-4 - Drug selection with anthelmintic properties, nanoencapsulation and preclinical evaluation in experimental model of schistosomiasis
• Grantee: Josué de Moraes
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/02789-7 - Search for bioactive metabolites with antiparasitic action in plant species from Atlantic Forest and Cerrado regions - a chemical, phenotypical, and metabolomic approach
• Grantee: João Henrique Ghilardi Lago
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants