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Planta Med 2013; 79(03/04): 253-258
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1328173
Biological and Pharmacological Activity
Original Papers
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Anthelmintic Activity of the Natural Compound (+)-Limonene Epoxide against Schistosoma mansoni

Josué de Moraes
1   Parasitology Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
2   Supervision of Health Surveillance, SUVIS Casa Verde, Municipal Health Department of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
,
Antonia A. C. Almeida
3   Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Post-Graduation Program in Pharmaceutical Science, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil
,
Maria R. M. Brito
3   Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Post-Graduation Program in Pharmaceutical Science, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil
,
Thiago H. C. Marques
4   Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology (RENORBIO), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil
,
Tamires C. Lima
5   Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
,
Damião P. de Sousa
5   Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
,
Eliana Nakano
1   Parasitology Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
,
Ronaldo Z. Mendonça
1   Parasitology Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
,
Rivelilson M. Freitas
3   Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Post-Graduation Program in Pharmaceutical Science, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil
4   Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology (RENORBIO), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 01 August 2012
revised 10 December 2012

accepted 02 January 2013

Publication Date:
13 February 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma are the etiological agents of human schistosomiasis, an important neglected tropical disease that afflicts over 200 million people worldwide. The treatment for this disease relies heavily on a single drug, praziquantel. Recent reports of praziquantel resistance raise concerns about future control of the disease and show the importance of developing new antischistosomal drugs. Currently, natural products have been a good source for drug development. (+)-Limonene epoxide is a mixture of cis and trans isomers found in many plants. Here, we report the in vitro effect of this natural compound on the survival time of Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. In addition, we examined alterations on the tegumental surface of adult schistosomes by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy. The effects of (+)-limonene epoxide at 25 µg/mL on S. mansoni adult worms were similar to those of the positive control (praziquantel), with reduction in motility and death of all worms after 120 h. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that (+)-limonene epoxide-mediated worm killing was associated with tegumental destruction. Our results, along with the low toxicity of the (+)-limonene epoxide, suggest that this natural compound might be promising for the development of new schistosomicidal agents.

Key words

Schistosoma mansoni - (+)-limonene epoxide - schistosomiasis - schistosomicidal activity - anthelmintic activity - natural products
 

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