Trypanocidal activity of the compounds present in Aniba canelilla oil against Trypanosoma evansi and its effects on viability of lymphocytes

Microb Pathog. 2017 Feb:103:13-18. doi: 10.1016/j.micpath.2016.12.006. Epub 2016 Dec 14.

Abstract

Aniba canelilla (H.B.K.) Mez, popularly known as "casca-preciosa" (precious bark), is a plant of the Lauraceae family, widely distributed in the Amazon region. Its major constituent is 1-nitro-2-phenylethane, a rare molecule in plants which is responsible for this plant's cinnamon scent. The present study aimed to report the chemical characterization of the oil extracted from Aniba canelilla using gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry and to assess its in vitro trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma evansi, a prevalent haemoflagellate parasite that affects a broad range of mammal species in Africa, Asia and South America. The oil presented 1-nitro-2-phenylethane (83.68%) and methyleugenol (14.83%) as the two major components. The essential oil as well as both major compounds were shown to exert trypanocidal effect. Methyleugenol was slightly more active than 1-nitro-2-phenylethane. In vitro studies showed that the oil extracted from the stems of A. canelilla may be regarded as a potential natural treatment for trypanosomosis, once proven their in vivo action, may be an interesting alternative in the treatment of infected animals with T. evansi.

Keywords: 1-Nitro-2-phenylethane; Aniba canelilla; Antiprotozoal activity; Essential oil composition; Methyleugenol.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Chromatography, Gas
  • Embryophyta / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • Oils, Volatile / chemistry
  • Oils, Volatile / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Oils / chemistry
  • Plant Oils / pharmacology*
  • Trypanocidal Agents / chemistry
  • Trypanocidal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Trypanosoma / drug effects*

Substances

  • Oils, Volatile
  • Plant Extracts
  • Plant Oils
  • Trypanocidal Agents