Abstract
The fractionation through bioguided antileishmanial activity of the dichloromethane extract of Cassia fistula fruits (Leguminosae) led to the isolation of the active isoflavone biochanin A, identified by spectroscopic methods. This compound showed 50% effective concentration (EC50) value of 18.96 μg/mL against promastigotes of Leishmania (L.) chagasi. The cytotoxicity of this substance against peritoneal macrophages resulted in an EC50 value of 42.58 μg/mL. Additionally, biochanin A presented an anti-Trypanosoma-cruzi activity, resulting in an EC50 value of 18.32 μg/mL and a 2.4-fold more effectiveness than benznidazole. These results contribute with novel antiprotozoal compounds for future drug design studies.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by grants from Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (01/05023-1) and Instituto Adolfo Lutz (project number CCD-BM 16/2004). The experiments comply with the current laws of Brazil where they were performed.
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Sartorelli, P., Carvalho, C.S., Reimão, J.Q. et al. Antiparasitic activity of biochanin A, an isolated isoflavone from fruits of Cassia fistula (Leguminosae). Parasitol Res 104, 311–314 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-008-1193-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-008-1193-z