Author(s):
Mahesh Kumar Kharat, Milind Patole, Kalpana Pai
Email(s):
kalpanapai@wnipune.ac.in
Address:
Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune - 411 007, Maharashtra, India
National Centre for Cell Science, NCCCS Complex, University of Pune Campus, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411 007, Maharashtra, India.
Published In:
Volume - 29,
Issue - 1,
Year - 2016
DOI:
Not Available
ABSTRACT:
Leishmania donovani causative agent for visceral leishmaniasis is transmitted to humans by sandfly vector. It is caused by an obligate intra-macrophage protozoan parasite Leishmania. It accounts for high morbidity and mortality. There are two phases of development in Leishmania parasites (i) intra-macrophage 'amastigote form and (i) in sandfly as promastigote' form. Therapeutic drugs in clinic are pentavalent Antimonials, Amphotericin-B (Parentral drug) and Miltefosine. Vaccines are still not available for leishmaniasis. Focus on control measures are therefore directed on vector control or more appropriately chemotherapy. Proper targets are selected, such as an enzyme, through screening of the biochemical influence of compounds (potential drugs) on this target. However, their severe toxicity to normal cells and the high resistance of the causative agent, L donovani, has necessitated the need for discovery of new alternative therapy. In the present study, we have evaluated Aerva sanguinolenta for anti-leishmanial potential using L donovani promastigotes (Dd8, WHO Strain). A. sanguinolenta is an ornamental plant which is used to cure various diseases and skin lesions. The whole plant ethanolic extract from Aerva sanguinolenta was investigated for anti-leishmanial activity. A. sanguinolenta showed significant anti-leishmanial activity as observed by significant ICS0 levels and decrease in acid phosphatase, arginase, and protein levels as compared with medium alone and Amphotericin-B. It increased nitric oxide levels, which is indicative of oxidative stress in parasites. Present study shows that A. sanguinolenta is a good anti-leishmanial agent. Further studies are warranted to check parasite clearance in an intra-macrophage model.
Cite this article:
Kharat, Patole and Pai (2016). In Vitro Antileishmanial Activity of the Medicinal Plant Extract of Aerva sanguinolenta (Linn) Blume. Journal of Ravishankar University (Part-B: Science), 29(1), pp.98-99.