Bioprospection of news compounds with anti-inflammatory and schistosomicidal activity in the murine schistosiasis model

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is considered the most important of the human helminthiasis in terms of morbidity and mortality, caused by Schistosoma mansoni, a blood vascular system helminth. Despite major advances in its control, schistosomiasis continues to spread to new geographic areas. Currently, schistosomiasis affects more than 250 million people. There are limited options available for the chemotherapeutic treatment of schistosomiasis with the drug of choice still being praziquantel. Due to increasing problems of resistance associated with praziquantel, alternative therapies are being sought. Because of the great need to develop new antischistosomal agents, trials were designed to test the potency of traditional medicinal plants for treating schistosomiasis. Peppermint (Mentha piperita L. - Mp) is one of the most widely consumed single ingredient herbal teas, or tisanes. Peppermint tea, brewed from the plant leaves, and the essential oil of peppermint are used in traditional medicines. In vitro, peppermint has significant antimicrobial and antiviral activities, strong antioxidant and antitumor actions, and some antiallergenic potential. Animal model studies demonstrate a relaxation effect on gastrointestinal tissue, analgesic and anesthetic effects in the central and peripheral nervous system, immunomodulating actions and chemopreventive potential. Recently, in our laboratory these plants demonstrated effect anti-Schistosoma mansoni in vivo and in vitro, moreover, antinflamatory effect in S. mansoni infection model. Thus, this work was carried out to assess the effect and potency of Mp in treating Schistosoma mansoni in vitro and in vivo model. (AU)