Leishmanicidal activity of Himatanthus sucuuba latex against Leishmania amazonensis

Parasitol Int. 2010 Jun;59(2):173-7. doi: 10.1016/j.parint.2010.01.002. Epub 2010 Jan 20.

Abstract

Himatanthus sucuuba (HsL) latex exhibited a potent leishmanicidal activity against intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis, a causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis. HsL inhibited intracellular amastigote growth in a dose-dependent manner (IC(50)=15.7microg/mL). Moreover, HsL increased nitric oxide (NO) and Tumor Nuclear Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and decreased Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta) production in macrophages. As assessed by plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity, HsL showed low toxicity for host macrophages. HsL in vivo was active by the oral route, reducing the parasite load in established footpad lesions after only five doses. In summary, these findings support HsL as an interesting candidate for further evaluations regarding its potential application as a therapeutical agent against Leishmania.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Apocynaceae / chemistry*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Latex / administration & dosage
  • Latex / pharmacology*
  • Leishmania / drug effects*
  • Leishmania / growth & development
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / drug therapy*
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / parasitology
  • Macrophages, Peritoneal / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Latex