THE USE OF EXTRACTS FROM PASSIFLORA SPP. IN HELPING THE TREATMENT OF ACANTHAMOEBIASIS

Chronic progressive diseases of the central nervous system such as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, amoebic keratitis, amoebic pneumonitis and also skin infections caused by free-living amoebae (Acanhamoeba spp.) are a significant challenge for pharmacotherapy. This is due to the lack of effective treatment because of encystation, which makes the amoebae highly resistant to anti-amoebic drugs. A very inter- esting and promising source of future drugs in this area are plant materials obtained not only from the habitat but also from plant in vitro culture as an alternative source of biomaterials. Alcoholic extracts from leaves of Passiflora incarnata, P. caerulea, P. alata (Passifloraceae) and from callus cultures were evaluated in vito for amoebicidal activity. Phytochemical analysis showed that all extracts contained phenolic compounds including flavonoids? Biological study revealed that all extracts showed amoebostatic and amoebicidal properties in concentrations from 4 to 12 mg/mL. Extracts of P. alata leaf and callus showed the most effective activities (IC5, 4.01 mg/mL, IC,5 7.29 mg/mL, respectively) after 48 h of exposure, which was correlated with the highest concentration of total phenolics and flavonoids in comparison with other extracts.