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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Antischistosomal Activity of the Terpene Nerolidol

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Author(s):
Silva, Marcos P. N. [1] ; Oliveira, George L. S. [2] ; de Carvalho, Rusbene B. F. [3] ; de Sousa, Damiao P. [4] ; Freitas, Rivelilson M. [2, 3] ; Pinto, Pedro L. S. [5] ; de Moraes, Josue [1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] UNIESP, Fac Ciencias Guarulhos FACIG, BR-07025000 Guarulhos, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Piaui, Programa Posgrad Ciencias Farmaceut, BR-64049550 Teresina, PI - Brazil
[3] Univ Fed Piaui, Programa Posgrad Biotecnol, BR-64049550 Teresina, PI - Brazil
[4] Univ Fed Paraiba, Dept Ciencias Farmaceut, BR-58051900 Joao Pessoa, PB - Brazil
[5] Adolfo Lutz Inst, Nucleo Enteroparasitas, BR-01246902 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: Molecules; v. 19, n. 3, p. 3793-3803, MAR 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 30
Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Since the treatment of this disease currently relies on a single drug, praziquantel, new and safe schistosomicidal agents are urgently required. Nerolidol, a sesquiterpene present in the essential oils of several plants, is found in many foods and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In this study we analysed the in vitro antiparasitic effect of nerolidol on Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. Nerolidol at concentrations of 31.2 and 62.5 mu M reduced the worm motor activity and caused the death of all male and female schistosomes, respectively. In addition, confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed morphological alterations on the tegument of worms such as disintegration, sloughing and erosion of the surface, and a correlation between viability and tegumental damage was observed. In conclusion, nerolidol may be a promising lead compound for the development of antischistosomal natural agents. (AU)