Antifilarial Lead Molecules Isolated from Trachyspermum ammi

Abstract

Lymphatic filariasis is caused by infection with the parasitic filarial nematodes Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and B. timori, transmitted by mosquitoes. The lack of an adulticidal drug poses a challenge to filariasis elimination, hence it is essential to develop an effective antifilarial drug which could either kill or permanently sterilize the adult worms. In the reported work the in vitro activity of a methanolic extract of fruits of Trachyspermum ammi (Apiaceae) against adult bovine filarial Setaria digitata worms has been investigated. A bioassay-guided fractionation was carried out by subjecting the crude extract to flash chromatography. HPLC analysis was done for the crude extract and active fraction. The crude extract and the active fraction showed significant activity against the adult S. digitata by both a worm motility and MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] reduction assays. The isolated active principle was chemically characterized by IR, 1H-NMR and MS analysis and identified as a phenolic monoterpene. It was screened for in vivo antifilarial activity against the human filarial worm B. malayi in Mastomys coucha, showing macrofilaricidal activity and female worm sterility in vivo against B. malayi. The findings thus provide a new lead for development of a macrofilaricidal drug from natural products.

Molluscicidal and Mosquitocidal Activities of the Essential oils of Thymus capitatus Hoff. et Link. and Marrubium vulgare L.

“…Thymol showed also considerable molluscicidal effect against B. alexandrina, Bulinus truncatus and Lymnaea natalensis 14 . An isomer of thymol, namely carvacrol, showed in vitro antifilarial activity but to a lesser extent than thymol 25 . Furthermore, some studies revealed that carvacrol has an antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antioxidants activities 31 .…”

In-vitro Evaluation of Thymol Derived from Trachyspermum ammi against Acetaminophen Induced Hepatotoxicity Towards Lymphatic Filariasis Therapeutics

“…Since dietary agents found to possess many biologically active compounds those are ubiquitous in plants [21]. Thymol has been reported as one of the prime phytoconstituent in Trachyspermum ammi having macrofilaricidal activity against adult bovine filarial worm, Setaria digitata [22]. T. ammi is commonly known as ' Ajwain' or Bishop's weed, known for its good medicinal value in India.…”

Spasmolytic Potential of Some Medicinal Plants Belonging to Family Umbelliferae: A Review

“…India is well known country that shows T. ammi medicinal application as a household remedy for gastrointestinal disorders, a paste of fruits is applied externally for relieving colic pains and dry fomentation of the fruits applied on chest is used as a common remedy for asthma. T. ammi has been shown to possess antifilarial 118,119 . 124,125 .…”