Phytochemicals and Potential Therapeutic Targets on Toxoplasma gondii Parasite

Abstract

Identification of drug target in protozoan T. gondii is an important step in the development of chemotherapeutic agents. Likewise, exploring phytochemical compounds effective against the parasite can lead to the development of new drug agent that can be useful for prophylaxis and treatment of toxoplasmosis. In this review, we searched for the relevant literature on the herbs that were tested against T. gondii either in vitro or in vivo, as well as different phytochemicals and their potential activities on T. gondii. Potential activities of major phytochemicals, such as alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoids and tannins on various target sites on T. gondii as well as other related parasites was discussed. It is believed that the phytochemicals from natural sources are potential drug candidates for the treatment of toxoplasmosis with little or no toxicity to humans.

Bio-Fabrication of Silver Nanoparticles Using Citrus aurantifolia Fruit Peel Extract (CAFPE) and the Role of Plant Extract in the Synthesis

“…Plant secondary metabolites are generally classified into different classes according to their chemical structures; namely, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, glycosides, anthraquinones, etc. They are known to offer several health benefits to humans, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic benefits [30,31]. For example, phenolic compounds are compounds with at least one hydroxyl aromatic ring substituted in their chemical structure, and this compound is known to have antioxidant activities [31,32].…”

“…They are known to offer several health benefits to humans, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic benefits [30,31]. For example, phenolic compounds are compounds with at least one hydroxyl aromatic ring substituted in their chemical structure, and this compound is known to have antioxidant activities [31,32]. Most importantly, these plant secondary metabolites have been reported to play an important role in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles as reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents [33].…”

Inhibition of Toxoplasma gondii by 1,2,4-triazole-based compounds: marked improvement in selectivity relative to the standard therapy pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine

“…Drugs, such as macrolides, atovaquone, dapsone, and cotrimoxazole have also been used to treat clinical toxoplasmosis. However, they are poorly tolerated and have no effect on the bradyzoite form of the parasite 35–38 . Therefore, there is a longstanding demand for the development of a new generation of anti- Toxoplasma drugs that address these deficits.…”