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DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1320991
In vitro schistosomicidal activity of Usnea steineri extract and its major constituent (+)-usnic acid against Schistosoma mansoni
The lichen genus Usnea is widespread throughout the world and is known to elaborate a number of interesting metabolites with biological properties. The schistosomicidal activity of the acetone extract of Usnea steineri (1) and of its major constituent (+)-usnic Acid (2) were evaluated in vitro against Schistosoma mansoni. The extract of U. steineri at 100 ug/mL in 24h and usnic acid at 200 uM in 120h caused death of all adult worms. In addition, both 1 and 2 caused tegument alteration, as peeling and bubbles, which was similar at observed to praziquantel (PZQ). Also, 1 and 2 reduced egg production and development in all concentrations. It is the first time that the schistosomicidal activity in vitro has been reported for extract of U. steineri and usnic acid. Therefore, these results suggest that extract of U. steineri and usnic acid are promising and could be used for the development of schistosomicidal agents. [Sponsors: Capes, CNPq, FAPESP]
