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Capsaicin, a Vanilloid Derivative, Modulates Arginine Kinase mRNA Expression in Trypanosoma evansi
Snehil Gupta1, Sukhdeep Vohra1, Khushboo Sethi2,3
1Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India.
Acta Parasitologica
|November 20, 2025
Summary
Capsaicin shows potential against Surra, a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma evansi. This study found capsaicin effectively reduced parasite levels and altered arginine kinase gene expression in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Drug Discovery
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Trypanosoma evansi causes Surra, a zoonotic disease with limited treatment options.
- Arginine kinase is crucial for parasite survival and metabolic flexibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity of capsaicin against T. evansi.
- To investigate capsaicin's effect on arginine kinase gene expression.
- To assess capsaicin's safety for mammalian cells.
Main Methods:
- In vitro anti-trypanosomal assays were performed.
- Cytotoxicity was assessed against equine PBMC and Vero cells.
- Real-time PCR was used to analyze arginine kinase 1 mRNA expression.
Main Results:
- Capsaicin demonstrated an IC50 of 115 µM against T. evansi.
- Selectivity index was calculated to be approximately 2.68.
- Significant alterations in arginine kinase 1 mRNA expression were observed at 24 and 48 hours.
Conclusions:
- Capsaicin exhibits potential as a therapeutic agent against T. evansi.
- Further in vivo studies are recommended to validate these findings.
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