In Vitro and In Vivo leishmanicidal activities of natural and synthetic quinoids

The activities of various compounds isolated from plants traditionally used against leishmaniasis in populations from the tablelands of the Guyanas have been examined. The leishmanicidal activity of plant extracts was evaluated by testing on promastigote and amastigote stages of and by tests on in mice. The leaves of (Aublet) D. Don yielded two compounds: ursolic acid and jaracanone. Ursolic acid showed an interesting activity with an ED against amastigotes of 0.02 mM and no toxicity to macrophages at twice this dose. Jacaranone displayed a marked activity against promastigotes with an ED of 0.02 mM. Both compounds have weak antileishmanial activity. Similar synthetic compounds such as quinol and quinone acetates were prepared and showed increased activity in experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice.

Duke Scholars

Author Jessica Lynne Poisson Pathology