Berberine: A nematocidal alkaloid from Argemone mexicana against Strongyloides venezuelensis

Strongyloidiasis is a parasitosis that represents a public health problem, in tropical regions. The present study aimed to investigate the anthelmintic effects of several extracts of Argemone mexicana, as well as its main component berberine (Ber) against the third-stage larvae (L3) of Strongyloides venezuelensis in-vitro experiments. Also, the anti-hemolytic activity of the extract, fractions, and Ber were tested in human erythrocytes. A dose-response anthelminthic bioassay demonstrated Ber as the most effective component, followed by methanolic subfraction (Fr3) and finally the crude extract of A. mexicana (Am) showing LC₅₀ response values of 1.6, 19.5, and 92.1 μg/mL, at 96 h respectively. Also, Am, Fr3, and Ber did not produce significant hemolysis against human erythrocytes (p ≤ 0.05). Am and Fr3 showed erythrocyte protection effect capacity at the membrane level (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, Ber was found to have an antioxidant activity of 168.18 μg/mL. According to the results, the Fr3 of A. mexicana, and particularly Ber, exhibited potent in-vitro effects against L3 of S. venezuelensis, without hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes and presented good antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, the extracts of A. mexicana and the main component have activity against S. venezuelensis, nevertheless, further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of action.