Induction of apoptosis by zerumbone isolated from Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith in protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani due to oxidative stress

Abstract

In the present context of emergence of resistance aligned with the conventional anti-leishmanial drugs and occasional treatment failure compelled us to continue the search for replaceable therapeutic leads against Leishmania infection. Various ginger spices of the Zingiberaceae family are widely used as spices, flavouring agents, and medicines in Southeast Asia because of their unique flavour as well as due to their medicinal properties. Zerumbone, a natural component of Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith, has been studied for its pharmacological potential as antiulcer, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial. In this study, we have shown that zerumbone could induce ROS mediated apoptosis in Leishmania donovani promastigotes and also found effective in reducing intracellular amastigotes in infected-macrophages. We emphasized the potential of zerumbone to be employed in the development of new therapeutic drugs against L. donovani infection and provided the basis for future research on the application of transitional medicinal plants.

In Vitro Anti-Leishmanial Activity of Essential Oils Extracted from Vietnamese Plants

“…Zerumbone, accounting for 60.3% of the EO extracted from fresh rhizomes of Z. zerumbet , was reported to be active against L. donovani , however it revealed toxicity on human leukemia cells HL-60 [ 27 , 28 ]. These data can explain the anti-leishmanial activity but also cytotoxicity of the Z. zerumbet EO found in our study.…”

“…Ultrastructure alterations were also observed in L. amazonenesis and L. infantum promastigotes treated with citral at concentrations of 8.0 and 42 µg/mL respectively [ 21 , 22 ]. Mukherjee et al detected morphological alterations by SEM in L. donovani promastigotes treated with 9.36 µM of zerumbone associated with induced ROS-mediated apoptosis [ 27 ].…”

Zerumbone and Kaempferol Derivatives from the Rhizomes of Zingiber montanum (J. Koenig) Link ex A. Dietr. from Bangladesh

“…Thus, in the following discussion, the plant source names that authors mentioned in their articles are used irrespective of their current taxonomic classification. There have been extensive studies on zerumbone regarding various biological activities [32], including anti-inflammatory activity in acute lung injury after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration in mice [33], antiparasitic activity in protozoa [34], antioxidant, gastroprotective, antisecretory and anti-Helicobacter pylori activities [35], and protection of pancreatic β cell in high glucose induced apoptosis [36]. Similarly, it is reported to be effective in anticancer activity in human breast cancer [37], mouse skin cancer [38] and human cervical cancer cell lines [39].…”

Leishmaniose E Plantas Medicinais: Uma Revisão

“…Em alguns dos trabalhos avaliados, foram utilizados óleos essenciais provenientes das plantas (ALOUI et al, 2016;ANDRADE et al, 2016;CARVALHO et al, 2017;de MELO et al, 2013;DEZAKI et al, 2016;ESSID et al, 2015;MACHADO et al, 2012;MONZOTE, PASTOR, SCULL;GILLE, 2014;MONZOTE et al, 2014;MUKHERJEE et al, 2016;RODRIGUES et al, 2015;RODRIGUES et al, 2013;VARELA et al, 2016). Os componentes dos óleos essenciais possuem caráter lipofílico e dessa maneira, conseguem atravessar a membrana plasmática, interferindo na composição desta.…”

“…Com base nos mecanismos de ação propostos pelos autores dos trabalhos realizados com amastigotos de Leishmania, pode concluir que grande parte está associada com estresse oxidativo na célula e com alterações no ambiente do macrófago, criando espécies reativas que funcionam como microbiocidas (ALAWA et al, 2012;ARRAIS-SILVA et al, 2014;BECERRA et al, 2015;CARRARA et al, 2013;CAR-VALHO et al, 2017;MUKHERJEE et al, 2016;RODRI-GUES et al, 2015;RUDRAPAUL et al, 2014).…”