In vitro schistosomicidal evaluation of Copaifera oleoresin species

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a serious public health problem in many developing countries. Reports show the increasing emergence of resistant strains of Schistosomamansoni to praziquantel, the drug of choice for the treatment of schistosomiasis. In this context, the discovery of new compounds that can serve as models (prototypes) for the development of antischistosomal agents more efficient and less toxic is of great interest and has been the main goal of many research groups. The plant kingdom contributes very significantly to supply metabolites useful in the treatment of diseases affecting human beings. Natural organic compounds plays an important role in the discovery of new therapeutic agents. However, only a small percentage of plant resources were chemically and biologically investigated. Among all plants with medicinal properties, the trees of the genus Copaifera are import due to their historically proven pharmacological applications in folk medicine, including its antiparasitic activity, which shows the significant leishmanicidal and trypanocidal property presented by the oleoresin of several species of this genus . Thus, as part of the thematic project recently approved by FAPESP (2011/13630-7), the objective is evaluate in vitro schistosomicidal activity of C. langsdorffii, C. oblongifolia and C. reticulate oleoresin species. (AU)