In Vitro Activity of Essential Oils from Piper Species (Piperaceae) against Tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii

Author(s)

Pereira Filho, Adalberto Alves ; Cunha, Mariana Maciel ; Stanton, Mariana Alves ; Yamaguchi, Lydia Fumiko ; Kato, Massuo Jorge ; Martins-Duarte, Erica S.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: METABOLITES; v. 13, n. 1, p. 10-pg., 2023-01-01.

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a tropical and neglected disease caused by the parasitic protozoa Toxplasma gondii. Conventional treatment with sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine plus folinic acid, has some drawbacks, such as inefficacy in the chronic phase, toxic side effects, and potential cases of resistance have been observed. In this study, the activity of essential oils (EOs) from three Piper species and their main constituents, including alpha-Pinene (Piper lindbergii and P. cernuum), beta-Pinene (P. cernuum), and dillapiole (P. aduncum), were evaluated against tachyzoites of T. gondii. alpha-Pinene was more active [(IC50 0.3265 (0.2958 to 0.3604) mu g/mL)] against tachyzoites than P. lindbergii EO [0.8387 (0.6492 to 1.084) mu g/mL]. Both alpha-Pinene and P. lindbergii EO exhibited low cytotoxicity against NHDF cells, with CC50 41.37 (37.64 to 45.09) mu g/mL and 83.80 (75.42 to 91.34) mu g/mL, respectively, suggesting they could be of potential use against toxoplasmosis. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/50316-7 - Dimensions US-Biota São Paulo: Chemically mediated multi-trophic interaction diversity across tropical gradients
• Grantee: Massuo Jorge Kato
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants