Anthelmintic Potential of Thymoquinone and Curcumin on Fasciola gigantica

Abstract

Fasciolosis an economically important global disease of ruminants in the temperate and tropical regions, caused by Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica, respectively, also poses a potential zoonotic threat. In India alone it causes huge losses to stakeholders. Anthelmintics including triclabendazole have been used to control this menace but the emerging resistance against the available compounds necessitates identification of novel and alternative therapeutic measures involving plant derived natural compounds for their anthelmintic potential. Thymoquinone (T) and curcumin (C), the active ingredients of Nigella sativa and Curcuma longa respectively have been used as antiparasitic agents but the information on their flukicidal effect is very limited. Adult flukes of F. gigantica were in vitro exposed to different concentrations of thymoquinone and curcumin separately for 3h at 37+ 1°C. A significant (p<0.05) reduction in the worm motility at 60 μM concentration of both T and C was observed though all the worms remained alive after 3h exposure, whereas the effect on egg shedding was statistically insignificant. Pronounced tegumental disruptions and erosion of spines in the posterior region and around the acetabulum was evident. A significant (p<0.05) decrease in glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) level was observed, while protein carbonylation increased differentially. A significant inhibition of CathepsinL (CatL) gene expression in thymoquinone treated worms was also evident. Further, in silico molecular docking of T and C with CatL revealed a stronger interaction of curcumin with the involvement of higher number of amino acids as compared to thymoquinone that could be more effective in inhibiting the antioxidant enzymes of F. gigantica. It is concluded that both the compounds understudy will decrease the detoxification ability of F. gigantica, while inhibition of CatL will significantly affect their virulence potential. Thus, both thymoquinone and curcumin appeared to be promising anthelmintic compounds for further investigations.

In-vitro evaluation of Nigella sativa and Punica granatum effect on protoscolices of hydatid cysts

“…Mostly, the therapeutic benefits of N. sativa are due to its richness in Thymoquinone (TQ), which is a major active constituent. In studies focusing on antiparasitic effects (ISSA, 2003), it has been found that different extracts of N. sativa, as well as TQ, have a potent anthelmintic action against Fasciola gigantica (ULLAH et al, 2017) and Schistosoma mansoni (SHENAWY et al, 2008). The results from in-vitro tests on N. sativa seeds against miracidia, cercariae and adult worms have shown that they have strong effects against all stages of the parasite and an inhibitory effect on egg-laying among adult female worms.…”

Immunolocalization and immunodetection of the excretory/secretory (ES) antigens of Fasciola gigantica

“…gigantica , such as cysteine proteinases like cathepsin B, cathepsin L, glutathione S transferase and tegumental antigens such as 28.5 kDa and 66 kDa proteins [ 24 – 30 ]. The proteinases secreted by the parasites are important for the successful establishment of host parasite interaction including invasion, destruction of host tissues, penetration of host vascular systems, migration towards their microhabitat and these proteinases could be a promising chemotherapeutic or vaccine target [ 31 , 32 ].…”

Analisa Epidemiologi Kasus Helmintiasis pada Hewan Kurban di Kota Batu

“…Tata cara merumput termasuk waktu pengambilan rumput merupakan faktor yang dapat mereduksi kejadian fasciolosis. Berdasarkan penelilian yang dilaksanakan oleh Ullan et al (2017), selain golongan obat albendazole, pengobatan fasciolosis dapat dilakukan dengan pemberian bahan yang mengandung timokuinon dan kurkumin. Bahan aktif yang terkandung dalam Nigella sativa dan Curcuma longa tersebut dapat alternatif dalam pengobatan fasciolosis.…”