SCHISTOSOMICIDAL ACTIVITY OF THE CRUDE EXTRACT OF ARTOCARPUS LAKOOCHA

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Parasitology
• Natural Products

Background:

• Puag-Haad is a traditional anthelmintic from Artocarpus lakoocha, used for taeniasis in Thailand and Lao PDR.
• Schistosomiasis remains a significant global health concern, necessitating novel therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vitro anthelmintic properties of Puag-Haad against Schistosoma mansoni.
• To compare the efficacy of Puag-Haad with praziquantel (PZQ).

Main Methods:

• Adult Schistosoma mansoni worms were incubated with varying concentrations of Puag-Haad (250, 500, 750 μg/ml) or PZQ (175 μg/ml).
• Relative motility (RM), survival index (SI), and tegument alterations (scanning electron microscopy) were assessed over 24 hours.
• Tetrahydroxystilbene (THS) was identified as a key compound in Puag-Haad.

Main Results:

• Puag-Haad at 250 μg/ml demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing worm motility and survival compared to PZQ at 175 μg/ml.
• The primary target of Puag-Haad was the parasite's tegument, with damage increasing at higher extract concentrations.
• Tetrahydroxystilbene (THS) is implicated as the active compound responsible for the observed anthelmintic effects.

Conclusions:

• Puag-Haad exhibits significant in vitro anthelmintic activity against Schistosoma mansoni.
• The compound tetrahydroxystilbene (THS) shows promise as a potential therapeutic candidate for schistosomiasis.
• Further research is warranted to evaluate the mechanism, efficacy, and safety of THS in vivo.