Anti-leishmanial activity of alkaloidal extract from Aspidosperma ramiflorum.
Infections due to protozoa of the genus Leishmania are a major worldwide health problem, with high endemicity in developing countries. The drugs of choice for the treatment of leishmaniasis are the pentavalent antimonials (SbV), which present renal and cardiac toxicity. Besides, the precise chemical structure and mechanism of action of these drugs are unknown up to date. In order to find new drugs against leishmaniasis, we have been studying extracts of Brazilian trees. In the present study, we have evaluated the effectiveness of an alkaloid extract of Aspidosperma ramiflorum Muell. Arg. (Apocynaceae), against the extracellular forms promastigotes of L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (V.) braziliensis. The alkaloid extract of A. ramiflorum was much more effective against L. (L.) amazonensis (LD50 < 47 microg/ml) than L. (V.) braziliensis. Based on these in vitro results against L. (L.) amazonensis new studies should be made to find the compounds with anti-leishmanial activity.
Laboratório de Química Farmacêutica e Síntese de Medicamentos, Departamento de Farmácia e Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Brasil.
Izabel Cristina Piloto
IC
Ferreira
Maria Valdrinez Campana
MV
Lonardoni
Gerzia M C
GM
Machado
Leonor L
LL
Leon
Lucílio
L
Gobbi Filho
Luís Henrique Bissoli
LH
Pinto
Arildo José Braz
AJ
de Oliveira
D000470:Alkaloids / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D030009:Aspidosperma; D007892:Leishmania braziliensis / Q000187:drug effects*; D021261:Parasitic Sensitivity Tests; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology
D000470:Alkaloids; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts