Trypanocidal activity of eErythrina speciosa Andr. (Leguminosae)

Abstract

Investigation of the bioactive crude extracts from the leaves of Erythrina speciosa Andr. (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae) from Brazil led to the isolation of nororientaline as a new alkaloid in this plant. The activity of crude extract and alkaloids, isolated from leaves of E. speciosa were evaluated against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes and trypomastigotes in vitro. Our results show that crude alcoholic extract of E. speciosa (Et-Es) and alkaloids containing nororientaline at 250 μg/mL, 500 μg/mL and 1000 μg/mL inhibited 50, 60 and 80 % of epimastigote growth, respectively (p < 0.001). Et-Es showed activity against trypomastigote forms in 80 % and 60 % at 1000 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL, respectively. When tested against macrophages, the same extract did not affect the cell viability as measured by luminescent assay, suggesting that it should be considered as a leading structure for further research.