In vitro assessment of anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of phenylpropanoids and flavonoids from Vernonanthura polyanthes (Asteraceae)

Author(s)

Sales, Felipe S. ; de Andrade, Beatriz A. ; Ferreira, Dayana A. Santos ; Tempone, Andre G. ; Antar, Guilherme M. ; Lago, Joao Henrique G.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH; v. N/A, p. 6-pg., 2025-03-10.

Abstract

In the present study, the EtOH extract from the aerial parts of Vernonanthura polyanthes (Asteraceae) showed efficacy against trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. Using a bioactivity-guided approach, three phenylpropanoid derivatives - ferulic acid (1), isoeugenol (2) and homovanillyl alcohol (3) - and three flavonoids - luteolin (4), velutin (5) and 3-O-methylquercetin (6) - were isolated. With respect to anti-T. cruzi potential, all isolated compounds, except ferulic acid (1), showed activity against trypomastigotes. Homovanillyl alcohol (3) was the most active metabolite (EC50 = 6.3 mu g/mL), showing similar activity to benznidazole used as a positive control. In addition, none of the compounds tested showed toxicity against murine fibroblasts (CC50 > 200 mu g/mL). The results therefore suggest that homovanillyl alcohol (3), a structurally simple C6C2 natural product, may be used as a prototype in future drug discovery studies for the treatment of Chagas disease. [GRAPHICS] (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/12447-1 - Searching for specialized metabolites from Brazilian floristic biodiversity as drug candidates for neglected tropical diseases
• Grantee: João Henrique Ghilardi Lago
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants