ParaCleanse
Artemisia absinthium (Sweet Wormwood)
Therapeutic efficacy of Artemisia absinthium against Hymenolepis nana: in vitro and in vivo studies in comparison with the anthelmintic praziquantel
Abstract
Hymenolepis nana is a common intestinal tapeworm that affects humans. Drugs are available for the treatment of this infection, including praziquantel (PZQ), nitazoxanide and niclosamide. Although the drug of choice is praziquantel, due to its high cure rates, indicators of the development of PZQ resistance by different parasites have begun to appear over recent decades. Therefore, this study was a trial to find an alternative to PZQ by assessing the activity of the crude aqueous extract of the medicinal herb Artemisia absinthium against H. nana. In vitro, the extract was used against adult worms at concentrations of 1 and 5 mg/ml, in comparison with 1 mg/ml of PZQ. The times of worm paralysis and death were determined. Ultrastructural morphological changes were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For the in vivo study, infected mice were divided into untreated, PZQ-treated and A. absinthium-treated groups (400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg). Pre- and post-treatment egg counts per gram of faeces (EPG) were performed; then, the reduction percentages of the EPG and worm burden were calculated. The best results were obtained with praziquantel. Artemisia absinthium induced worm paralysis, death and ultrastructural alterations, such as tegumental damage, lipid accumulation, and destruction of the nephridial canal and the intrauterine eggs, in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, significant reductions in the EPG and worm burden were recorded in A. absinthium-treated mice. Although the results obtained with A. absinthium were promising and comparable to PZQ, further studies using different extracts, active ingredients and concentrations against different parasites should be conducted.
Source: Beshay EVN. “Therapeutic efficacy of Artemisia absinthium against Hymenolepis nana: in vitro and in vivo studies in comparison with the anthelmintic praziquantel.” Journal of Helminthololgy. (2018); May;92(3):298-308.
Survey on efficacy of chloroformic extract of Artemisia annua against Giardia lamblia trophozoite and cyst in vitro
Abstract
Giardiasis is a parasitic cosmopolitan disease that the rate of infection in developing countries is considerable. This infection directly is associated with poor hygienic conditions, poor water quality control, and overcrowding. Reinfection and drug resistance are two major problems in endemic areas. Recently, researchers are concentrating on herbal drugs as a proper solution. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to survey on efficacy of chloroformic extract of Artemisia annua against Giardia lamblia trophozoite and cyst in vitro. G. lamblia cysts were prepared from faces of giardiasis patients from different hospitals of Mazandaran Medical University. Four concentrations (1, 10, 50 and 100 mg/ml) of chloroformic extract of A. annua were utilized for 1, 5, 30, 60 and 180 min. Viability of G. lamblia cysts was confirmed by 0.1 % Eosin staining. Cyst and trophozoite contact (intermix) of G. lamblia with extract of A. annua with variant concentrations (1, 10, 50 and 100 mg/ml) after 1 and 180 min caused following cyst and trophozoite elimination rates: (67, 69, 71 and 73 %), (65, 67, 67 and 72 %), (94, 96, 97 and 99 %) and (100, 100, 100 and 100 %), respectively. Authors from the current investigation draw a conclusion that chloroformic extract of A. annua has the ability to eliminate G. lamblia cysts and trophozoites in vitro.
Source: Golami S, Rahimi-Esboei B, Mousavi P, Marhaba Z, Youssefi MR, and Rahimi MT. “Survey on efficacy of chloroformic extract of Artemisia annua against Giardia lamblia trophozoite and cyst in vitro.” Journal of Parasitic Diseases. (2016); Mar;40(1):88-92.
Turmeric (Curcumin)
Curcumin treatment provides protection against Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, causes an acute myocarditis and chronic cardiomyopathy. The current therapeutic agents for this disease are not always effective and often have severe side effects. Curcumin, a plant polyphenol, has demonstrated a wide range of potential therapeutic effects. In this study, we examined the effect of curcumin on T. cruzi infection in vitro and in vivo. Curcumin pretreatment of fibroblasts inhibited parasite invasion. Treatment reduced the expression of the low density lipoprotein receptor, which is involved in T. cruzi host cell invasion. Curcumin treatment of T. cruzi-infected CD1 mice reduced parasitemia and decreased the parasitism of infected heart tissue. This was associated with a significant reduction in macrophage infiltration and inflammation in both the heart and liver; moreover, curcumin-treated infected mice displayed a 100% survival rate in contrast to the 60% survival rate commonly observed in untreated infected mice. These data are consistent with curcumin modulating infection-induced changes in signaling pathways involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. These data suggest that curcumin and its derivatives could be a suitable drug for the amelioration of chagasic heart disease.
Source: Nagajyothi F, Zhao D, Weiss LM, and Tanowitz HB. “Curcumin treatment provides protection against Trypanosoma cruzi infection.” Parasitology Research. (2012); Jun;110(6):2491-9.
In vitro efficacy of curcumin on Trichomonas vaginalis
Abstract
Trichomonosis, the disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common curable sexually transmitted disease with 174 million cases per year worldwide. The emerging resistance against the current standard therapy with metronidazole is pushing the search for alternative drugs. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of curcumin, a derivate of Curcuma longa, on T. vaginalis. The effective concentrations (ECs) were evaluated using three strains of T. vaginaliswith different metronidazole susceptibilities (ATCC 30001, ATCC 30236 and ATCC 50138) and dilution series of curcumin in 24-well microtitre assays. Curcumin was shown to be highly effective against T. vaginalis, and the susceptibility of the different strains was not affected by an existing resistance to metronidazole. After 24 h of incubation, the EC50 ranged from 73.0 to 105.8 µg/ml and the EC90 from 216.3 to 164.9 µg/ml. In all strains tested, a 100 % eradication of all trichomonal cells within 24 h was reached at a concentration of 400 µg/ml curcumin, the 50-fold concentration still being very well tolerated by human mucosa. Altogether, curcumin seems to be a promising candidate for topical treatment of trichomonosis.
Source: Wachter B, Syrowatka M, Obwaller A, and Walochnik J. “In vitro efficacy of curcumin on Trichomonas vaginalis.” Wiener Kliniche Wochenschrift. (2014); Apr;126 Suppl 1:S32-6. doi: 10.1007/s00508-014-0522-8. Epub 2014 Mar 12. PMID: 24619489.
Carica Papaya Seeds
Anti-toxocara activity of cuban plants
Abstract
Introduction: only a few drugs are effective against nematodes moving through tissues like Toxocara canis, a fact that makes it necessary to develop new therapeutic options.
Objective: to determine the in vitro effect of Cuban medicinal plants extracts against Toxocara canis larvae.
Methods: hydroalcoholic extracts of five plant species and a Carica papaya alkaloidenriched extract were prepared. All species have been informed by traditional medicine as antiparasitic. The anthelmintic activity was determined in 96 ponds, by calculating the larvae relative mobility, in three 24-hour intervals. Action principles of drugs used for treating toxocariasis were included as reference. They were included as reference used for the treatment of drug toxocariasis. The cytotoxic activity on MRC-5 cells was determined of the extracts active against the larvae. An assay with bromide 3-(4.5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2.5-diphenyltetrazolium was used.
Results: the Argemone mexicana and Carica papaya alkaloid-enriched hydroalcoholic extracts provoked relative mobilities less than 80% after 72 hours. The dose used was of 100 µg/ml, so they were considered active against the parasite. Neither of the extracts caused any cytotoxicity on MRC-5 cells. Aloe vera, Artemisia vulgaris, Centrosema virginianum and Chenopodium ambrosioides extracts did not show any activity against the parasite.
Conclusion: the potential activity of Argemone mexicana and Carica papaya extracts against the parasite was demonstrated, supporting the continuity of the phytochemical and pharmacological studies.
Source: Sariego RI, Pino SA, and Scull LR, et al. “Anti-toxocara activity of cuban plants.” Revista Cubana de Medicina Tropical. (2015): ;67(3).
Effectiveness of Dried Carica papaya Seeds Against Human Intestinal Parasitosis: A Pilot Study
Abstract
The tropical fruit Carica papaya and its seeds have proven antihelminthic and anti-amoebic activities. To determine the effectiveness of air-dried C. papaya seeds on human intestinal parasitosis, 60 asymptomatic Nigerian children with stool microscopic evidence of intestinal parasites received immediate doses (20 mL) of either an elixir composed with air-dried C. papaya seeds and honey (CPH) or honey alone (placebo) in two randomized treatment groups. Repeat stool microscopic examinations were conducted 7 days postintervention for intestinal parasites. Significantly more subjects given CPH elixir than those given honey had their stools cleared of parasites [23 of 30 (76.7%) vs. five of 30 (16.7%); z = 4.40, P = .0000109]. There were no harmful effects. The stool clearance rate for the various types of parasites encountered was between 71.4% and 100% following CPH elixir treatment compared with 0–15.4% with honey. Thus, air-dried C. papaya seeds are efficacious in treating human intestinal parasites and without significant side effects. Their consumption offers a cheap, natural, harmless, readily available monotherapy and preventive strategy against intestinal parasitosis, especially in tropical communities. Further and large-scale intervention studies to compare C. papaya with standard antiparasitic preparation are desirous.
Source: Okeniyi JA, Ogunlesi TA, Oyelami OA, and Adeyemi LA. “Effectiveness of dried Carica papaya seeds against human intestinal parasitosis: a pilot study.” Journal of Medicinal Food. 2007 Mar;10(1):194-6.
Olive Leaf (Maslinic Acid)
Terpenoids as Emerging Therapeutic Agents: Cellular Targets and Mechanisms of Action against Protozoan Parasites
Abstract
Terpenoids are the largest and structurally most diverse group of secondary metabolites derived from natural sources. Empirical evidence from several bioassays points to the therapeutic potentials of terpenoids against protozoan parasitic diseases such as malaria, trypanosomiasis, and leishmaniasis. The versatility of the parent terpenoid backbones allows for structural diversity among the group, which in turn leads to multiple cellular targets and consequently varying mechanisms of antiparasitic action. Available data implicate disruption of parasite cell membrane architecture, interference with mitochondrial respiration, interaction with various crucial proteins of the parasites among other probable mechanisms. Identification of the specific cellular targets vis-á-vis the mechanisms of action of the different terpenoids will aid the design of novel and safer antiparasitic agent(s). This chapter therefore aims to discuss parasites-related cellular targets of terpenoids and their mode of antiparasitic activity. We hope that the chapter will be a valuable source of useful information in the exploration of the full potential of terpenoids as antiparasitic agents.
Source: Murtala Bindawa Isah, Nasir Tajuddeen, Mubarak Ishaq Umar, Zainab Aliyu Alhafiz, Aminu Mohammed, and Mohammed Auwal Ibrahim. “Terpenoids as Emerging Therapeutic Agents: Cellular Targets and Mechanisms of Action against Protozoan Parasites” Studies in Natural Products Chemistry. (2018): Vol 59; 227-250.
Action of a pentacyclic triterpenoid, maslinic acid, against Toxoplasma gondii
Abstract
The action of maslinic acid (2alpha,3beta-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid) (1), a pentacyclic derivative present in the pressed fruits of the olive (Olea europaea), has been studied against the tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii. The capability of tachyzoites to infect Vero cells treated with 1 was affected. The LD(50) values were 58.2 muM for the isolated tachyzoites and 236 muM for the noninfected Vero cells. Zymograms of the T. gondii proteases incubated with 1 showed a dosage-dependent inhibition of some of the proteases. The parasites treated with 1 showed gliding motility and ultrastructural alterations. The present findings suggest that protease activity of the parasite required for cell invasion is the action target for maslinic acid (1).
Source: De Pablos LM, González G, Rodrigues R, García Granados A, Parra A, and Osuna A. “Action of a pentacyclic triterpenoid, maslinic acid, against Toxoplasma gondii.” Journal of Natural Products. (2010); May 28;73(5):831-4.
Garlic and Onion (Sulfur)
Sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism in parasitic protozoa
Abstract
Sulfur-containing amino acids play indispensable roles in a wide variety of biological activities including protein synthesis, methylation, and biosynthesis of polyamines and glutathione. Biosynthesis and catabolism of these amino acids need to be carefully regulated to achieve the requirement of the above-mentioned activities and also to eliminate toxicity attributable to the amino acids. Genome-wide analyses of enzymes involved in the metabolic pathways of sulfur-containing amino acids, including transsulfuration, sulfur assimilatory de novo cysteine biosynthesis, methionine cycle, and degradation, using genome databases available from a variety of parasitic protozoa, reveal remarkable diversity between protozoan parasites and their mammalian hosts. Thus, the sulfur-containing amino acid metabolic pathways are a rational target for the development of novel chemotherapeutic and prophylactic agents against diseases caused by protozoan parasites. These pathways also demonstrate notable heterogeneity among parasites, suggesting that the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids reflects the diversity of parasitism among parasite species, and probably influences their biology and pathophysiology such as virulence competence and stress defense.
Source: Nozaki T, Ali V, and Tokoro M. “Sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism in parasitic protozoa.” Advanced Parasitology. (2005); 60:1-99.
Anti-Parasitic Activities of Allium sativum and Allium cepa against Trypanosoma b. brucei and Leishmania tarentolae
Abstract
Background: Garlics and onions have been used for the treatment of diseases caused by parasites and microbes since ancient times. Trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis are a concern in many areas of the world, especially in poor countries.
Methods: Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Leishmania tarentolae were used to investigate the anti-parasitic effects of dichloromethane extracts of Allium sativum (garlic) and Allium cepa (onion) bulbs. As a confirmation of known antimicrobial activities, they were studied against a selection of G-negative, G-positive bacteria and two fungi. Chemical analyses were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS).
Results: Chemical analyses confirmed the abundance of several sulfur secondary metabolites in garlic and one (zwiebelane) in the onion extract. Both extracts killed both types of parasites efficiently and inhibited the Trypanosoma brucei trypanothione reductase irreversibly. In addition, garlic extract decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential in trypanosomes. Garlic killed the fungi C. albicans and C. parapsilosis more effectively than the positive control. The combinations of garlic and onion with common trypanocidal and leishmanicidal drugs resulted in a synergistic or additive effect in 50% of cases.
Conclusion: The mechanism for biological activity of garlic and onion appears to be related to the amount and the profile of sulfur-containing compounds. It is most likely that vital substances inside the parasitic cell, like trypanothione reductase, are inhibited through disulfide bond formation between SH groups of vital redox compounds and sulfur-containing secondary metabolites.
Source: Krstin S, Sobeh M, Braun MS, and Wink M. “Anti-Parasitic Activities of Allium sativum and Allium cepa against Trypanosoma b. brucei and Leishmania tarentolae.” Medicines (Basel). (2018); Apr 21;5(2):37.
Efficacy of Allium sativum (garlic) against experimental cryptosporidiosis
Abstract
Background: Due to increasing problems of inadequate and unreliable medical treatments for Cryptosporidium enteritis, alternative therapies are being sought.
Objective: The current study was designed to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of Allium sativum (garlic) against Cryptosporidium infection in experimentally infected immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice.
Methods: Forty eight male Swiss albino mice were divided equally into control and experimental groups. Each group was further subdivided into four equal subgroups; two immunosuppressed and two immunocompetent. Cryptosporidial oocysts were isolated from human stools, and were used to infect the mice. The experimental subgroups received garlic orally two days before infection or one day following infection, and continued daily till the end of the study. Two weeks following garlic administration, mice stools were examined for counting the cryptosporidial oocysts, then the animals were sacrificed; their small intestines were processed and were examined for detection of the pathological lesions and for counting of the parasites. Also, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was measured in jejunal sections.
Results: The results showed that the infected immunosuppressed subgroups of mice; showed a statistically significant increase in the number of cryptosporidial oocysts in stool and ileal sections, as well as an increase in the MPO activity when compared to the corresponding immunocompetent subgroups. Garlic successfully eradicated the Cryptosporidium oocysts from stool and intestinal sections of the infected immunocompetent subgroup of mice receiving garlic two days before the infection. Besides, the oocysts were significantly reduced in all other infected experimental subgroups in comparison to the corresponding infected control subgroups. The intestinal sections of all subgroups received garlic before or after the infection, revealed a more or less normal architecture. Reduction in the level of MPO activity was also detected in all experimental subgroups.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that garlic is a convenient prophylactic and a promising therapeutic agent for cryptosporidial infection.
Source: Maha Reda Gaafar. “Efficacy of Allium sativum (garlic) against experimental cryptosporidiosis” Alexandria Journal of Medicine (2012); 48(1):59-66.
In vitro and in vivo Anti-Toxoplasma Effects of Allium sativum Essential Oil Against Toxoplasma gondii RH Strain
Abstract
Background: Since no effective vaccine has been developed for toxoplasmosis, prophylaxis in seronegative pregnant women and immunocompromised patients with a CD4 <100 cells/μL is highly recommended as an ideal strategy to prevent this disease. This study aimed to assess the chemical composition, in vitro, and in vivo effects of Allium sativum essential oil (ASEO) against Toxoplasma gondii RH strain.
Methods: The in vitro anti-Toxoplasma effects of different concentrations of ASEO (32.5, 75, 150 µg/mL) were measured by MTT assay for 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 h. Male Balb/c mice were orally administrated ASEO at the doses of 200, 400, and 600 µg/kg/day for 14 days. One day after the completion of oral drug administration, the mice in all groups were infected intraperitoneally with 1×104 tachyzoites. They were checked daily and the rate of survival was recorded. The peritoneal fluids of the mice were collected and the mean number of tachyzoites was calculated via a light microscope. The level of liver lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO), toxicity effects on the liver and kidney, and the mRNA expression levels of some pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IFN-γ were determined by quantitative real-time PCR.
Results: Different concentrations of ASEO showed a significant (p < 0.001) anti-Toxoplasma activity against T. gondii tachyzoites, and the highest efficacy was observed at the concentration of 150 µg/mL. Fourteen days of pre-treatment of infected mice with ASEO at the doses of 200, 400, and 600 µg/kg/day significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the mean number of tachyzoites and mortality rate by the 6th, 7th, and 8th days after infection, respectively. ASEO at the doses of 200, 400, and 600 µg/kg/day significantly (p < 0.05) improved the increase in the LPO and NO. Pre-treatment of mice with different doses of ASEO provoked a considerable (P < 0.001) downregulation of IL-1β and IFN-γ mRNA gene expression levels, but it had no significant toxicity on the serum levels of some liver and kidney enzymes.
Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the considerable prophylactic effects of ASEO that increased the survival rate of mice and reduced the parasite load in them. Our findings also showed that ASEO promotes the innate immune system, pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibition of hepatic injury, etc. in the mice with acute toxoplasmosis. However, additional investigations are mandatory to clarify the accurate prophylactic and therapeutic anti-Toxoplasma mechanisms of ASEO as well as all its toxicity aspects, especially in clinical settings.
Source: Alnomasy SF. “In vitro and in vivo Anti-Toxoplasma Effects of Allium sativum Essential Oil Against Toxoplasma gondii RH Strain.” Infection Drug Resistance. (2021); Nov 30;14:5057-5068.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28606189/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4815849/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3556637/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24619489/
- https://www.medigraphic.com/cgi-bin/new/resumenI.cgi?IDARTICULO=66430
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17472487/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780444641793000074
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20441162/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16230102/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6023319/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S209050681100128X
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8643149/