Kaempferitrin, a major compound from ethanol extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides, exerts antitumour and hepatoprotective effects in the mice model of human liver cancer xenografts.

OBJECTIVES：: This study aimed to investigate antitumour effect and possible toxicity of kaempferitrin, the major compound from ethanol extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides, in the mice model of human liver cancer xenografts. METHODS：: Forty mice bearing SMMC-7721 cells xenografts were divided into control group (not treated) and three groups orally administered with ethanol extract of C. ambrosioides, kaempferol (positive control) and kaempferitrin for 30 days. Antitumour effect was evaluated by measurement of tumour growth, histological examinations of tumours, flow cytometry detection of splenic CD19+ B lymphocytes and CD161+ Natural Killer cells, biochemical measurements of serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interferon-γ, malonaldehyde, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenz thiazoline-6-sulphonate) radicals. Toxicity was evaluated by histological examinations of livers and measurements of serum levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, malonaldehyde and hepatic malonaldehyde level. KEY FINDINGS: Kaempferitrin significantly (P < 0.05) decreased tumour volume, mass and cell number. Antitumour effect was due to induction of tumour cells necrosis and apoptosis, stimulation of splenic B lymphocytes, decreases of radicals and malonaldehyde. Kaempferitrin did not change liver structure, and decreased serum levels of transaminases, bilirubin, malonaldehyde and hepatic malonaldehyde level. CONCLUSIONS: Kaempferitrin exerts antitumour and hepatoprotective effects.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities and Acute Toxicity of Cedrus atlantica, Chenopodium ambrosioides and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Essential Oils.

The essential oils yield of Cedrus atlantica, Chenopodium ambrosioides and Eucalyptus camaldulensis was different. C. ambrosioides gave a relatively higher yield (2.1 ± 0.1%), while that of C. atlantica was low (1.0 ± 0.1%) and that of E. camaldulensis was lower (0.75 ± 0.1% of dry matter). The active ingredients of the essential oils and some of their biological effects were also determined. The characterization of their chemical compositions showed that the three essences have different chemical profiles: C. atlantica was richer in sesquiterpenes (ß-Himachalene (54.21%) and γ -Himachalene (15.54%)), C. ambrosioides was very rich in monoterpene peroxides and monoterpenes (α-Terpinene (53.4%), ascaridole (17.7%) and ρ-Cymene (12.1%)) and E. camaldulensis was very rich in monoterpene compounds and monoterpenols (p-cymene (35.11%), γ-Eudesmol (11.9%), L-linalool (11.51%) and piperitone (10.28%)). The in vitro measurement of antioxidant activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) reduction assay showed a significant performance of the eucalyptus oil and average performance of the other two (C. atlantica and C. ambrosioides). The in vitro bio-test for their antimicrobial effects showed that the antibacterial activity differed depending on the essential oil and the concentration used, and that their bactericidal efficacy was similar or superior to that of synthetic antibiotics. The toxicity test on rats revealed that the LD50 of the three essential oils was 500 mg/kg body weight, which classifies them as category four cytotoxic natural products at high doses.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antispasmodic, Myorelaxant, and Antioxidant Effect of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin and Clemants Flower Hydroethanolic Extracts and Its Chloroform and Ethyl Acetate Fractions.

Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin and Clemants is an annual or ephemeral perennial herb used traditionally in the Mediterranean region in folk medicine to treat various illnesses, including those related to the digestive system. This study aims to assess the antispasmodic, myorelaxant, and antioxidant effects of D. ambrosioides flower hydroethanolic extract and its chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions in a comparative study to evaluate the result of the extraction type on the potential activity of the extract. Both rat and rabbit jejunum were used to evaluate the antispasmodic and myorelaxant effect, while the antioxidant effect was evaluated using DPPH, a ferric reducing power assay, and a beta-carotene bleaching test. LC/MS-MS analysis was carried out to reveal the composition of the different types of extract. Following the results, the hydroethanolic extract showed a significant myorelaxant effect (IC50 = 0.39 ± 0.01 mg/mL). Moreover, it was shown that the hydroethanolic extract demonstrated the best antispasmodic activity (IC50 = 0.51 ± 0.05 mg/mL), followed by the ethyl acetate (IC50 = 4.05 ± 0.32 mg/mL) and chloroform (IC50 = 4.34 ± 0.45 mg/mL) fractions. The antioxidant tests showed that the hydroethanolic extract demonstrated high antioxidant activity, followed by the ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions. The LC/MS-MS analysis indicates that the plant extract was rich in flavonoids, to which the extract activity has been attributed. This study supports the traditional use of this plant to treat digestive problems, especially those with spasms.

Role of Ascaridole and p-Cymene in the Sleep-Promoting Effects of Dysphania ambrosioides Essential Oil via the GABAergic System in a ddY Mouse Inhalation Model.

The essential oil obtained from Dysphania ambrosioides leaves (DAEO) has antifungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. This study investigated DAEO's chemical composition and its sleep-promoting effects via administration by inhalation in ddY mice. Ascaridole (35.5%) and p-cymene (47.2%) were the major components. To obtain insight into DAEO's effects on the central nervous system (CNS), ascaridole and p-cymene were evaluated for sedative activity by using the caffeine-treated excitatory mouse model. DAEO administration significantly decreased locomotor activity at all doses except 0.000 04 mg per 400 µL of triethyl citrate. Both ascaridole and p-cymene were highly effective in decreasing locomotor activity of excited mice by more than 50%. In addition, ascaridole and p-cymene prolonged the pentobarbital-induced sleeping duration by 42% and 77%, respectively. These effects were antagonized by coadministration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA)-benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, flumazenil (3 mg/kg), indicating that the GABAergic system mediates the sedative effect. Finally, inhaled ascaridole and p-cymene had no negative effect on motor coordination, as observed during the Rota-rod test. Therefore, via activation of the GABAergic system, ascaridole and p-cymene mediate the sleep-promoting effect of DAEO. The results further extend the knowledge on their use as potential promising natural products for the management of sleep disorders and CNS-related ailments.

Oxidative stability in raw, cooked, and frozen ground beef using Epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.).

This study investigated the potential of aqueous epazote (AE) and ethanolic extract of epazote (ETHE) as inhibitors of lipid oxidation in raw and cooked ground beef stored at 4 °C for 9 days as well as frozen beef patties stored at -18 °C for 90 days. Organic acids were identified in AE and ETHE using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight (UHPLC-qTOF). Chemical composition, TBARS, pH, colour, sensory acceptability and intensity of oxidised flavour were analysed in the three different meat products. ETHE showed higher values in organic acid content than AE. In raw ground beef, ETHE inhibited lipid oxidation and received the highest score in the three sensorial attributes evaluated at the end of the storage period, whereas in cooked ground beef it showed the highest intensity of oxidised flavour. Regarding CTL, AE reduced lipid oxidation in the cooked ground beef as well as the frozen patties, with improved colour. Therefore, epazote may be a promising natural antioxidant source for use in meat.

Chenopodium ambrosioides induces an endothelium-dependent relaxation of rat isolated aorta.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the vasodilatory effect of Chenopodium ambrosioides on the isolated rat aorta, and to explore its mechanism of action. METHODS: The vasorelaxant effect and the mode of action of various extracts from the leaves of C. ambrosioides were evaluated on thoracic aortic rings isolated from Wistar rats. In addition, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions were analyzed, using thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography techniques, for their polyphenolic content. RESULTS: The various active extracts of C. ambrosioides at four concentrations (10-3, 10-2, 10-1 and 1 mg/mL) relaxed the contraction elicited by phenylephrine, in a concentration-dependent manner. This effect seems to be endothelium-dependent, since the vasodilatory effect was entirely absent in denuded aortic rings. The vasorelaxant effect of the methanol fraction (MF) of C. ambrosioides at 1 mg/mL was also inhibited by atropine and tetraethylammonium. This effect remained unchanged by Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride and glibenclamide. The preliminary phytochemical analysis showed that the leaves of C. ambrosioides are rich in phenolic and flavonoid derivatives. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the MF of C. ambrosioides produces an endothelium-dependent relaxation of the isolated rat aorta, which is thought to be mediated mainly through stimulation of the muscarinic receptors, and probably involving the opening of Ca2+-activated potassium channels.

Antioxidant, intestinal immune status and anti-inflammatory potential of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. in fish: In vitro and in vivo studies.

Chenopodium ambrosioides L. has been used for centuries as traditional medicine in many clinical situations. The objectives of this study were first to assess the nutraceutical potential of C. ambrosioides L. extract through analyses of its chemical composition and antioxidant properties, followed by assessing toxicity and antioxidative activities on fish splenocytes. The second one was to perform an in vivo study using dietary C. ambrosioides L. extract (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%; w/w) for 15 and 30 days (2-week and 4-week treatments) to assess associated-intestine health status by short-chain fatty production, antioxidant enzyme activities and anti-inflammatory effects on Pacific red snapper (Lutjanus peru). Non-polar and polar fractions were detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in C. ambrosioides, of which the most abundant compounds were carvacrol, phytol, squalene, vitamin E and sucrose. The extract of C. ambrosioides L. enhanced a considerable antiradical and reducing power; fish splenocytes responded positively with higher (88%) cell viability than control. The production of nitric oxide and superoxide anion, as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, were also enhanced in splenocytes treated with C. ambrosioides L. The in vivo study results showed that acetate was the major short-chain fatty acid found in fish receiving C. ambrosioides L. after week four. Pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in intestine was modulated in fish fed with C. ambrosioides L. at any time of the experimental trial. In addition, the histological findings suggested that its extract did not cause inflammatory damage in intestine. Overall, the results suggest that C. ambrosioides L. is safe for immune cells and promoting intestinal health status of fish through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making it an interesting additive in functional diets.

Extraction optimization, total phenolic, flavonoid contents, HPLC-DAD analysis and diverse pharmacological evaluations of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants.

The present study aims to evaluate phytochemical and pharmacological potentials of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants previously known as Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Extraction was carried out using 14 solvents with wide range of polarity to find out the best solvent system for each bioactivity. Total phenolic and flavonoids contents were measured colorimetrically and polyphenolics were quantified via HPLC-DAD analysis. The samples were screened for inhibitory potentials against free radicals, leishmania, cancer cell lines, protein kinase, α-Amylase enzymes and microbial strains. Among all solvents, maximum percentage of extract was recovered from methanol-water fraction of leaves. HPLC analysis exhibited the presence of rutin, myricetin and quercetin. In DPPH assay, methanolic leaf extract exhibited IC50 value of 130.7 ± 0.57 µg/mL. Considerable α-amylase inhibitory, cytotoxic, leishmanicidal and antimicrobial potentials were exhibited by plant samples. D. ambrosioides revealed significant antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial and anti-diabetic potentials and thus warrant further detailed studies to find novel drugs.

In vitro nematicidal effect of Chenopodium ambrosioides and Castela tortuosa n-hexane extracts against Haemonchus contortus (Nematoda) and their anthelmintic effect in gerbils.

The in vitro nematicidal effect of Chenopodium ambrosioides and Castela tortuosa n-hexane extracts (E-Cham and E-Cato, respectively) on Haemonchus contortus infective larvae (L3) and the anthelmintic effect of these extracts against the pre-adult stage of the parasite in gerbils were evaluated using both individual and combined extracts. The in vitro confrontation between larvae and extracts was performed in 24-well micro-titration plates. The results were considered 24 and 72 h post confrontation. The in vivo nematicidal effect was examined using gerbils as a study model. The extracts from the two assessed plants were obtained through maceration using n-hexane as an organic agent. Gerbils artificially infected with H. contortus L3 were treated intraperitoneally with the corresponding extract either individually or in combination. The results showed that the highest individual lethal in vitro effect (96.3%) was obtained with the E-Cham extract at 72 h post confrontation at 40 mg/ml, followed by E-Cato (78.9%) at 20 mg/ml after 72 h. The highest combined effect (98.7%) was obtained after 72 h at 40 mg/ml. The in vivo assay showed that the individual administration of the E-Cato and E-Cham extracts reduced the parasitic burden in gerbils by 27.1% and 45.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the anthelmintic efficacy increased to 57.3% when both extracts were administered in combination. The results of the present study show an important combined nematicidal effect of the two plant extracts assessed against L3 in gerbils.

Antifertility effect of methanolic leaf extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides Hook. in male Sprague Dawley rats.

This study evaluated the antifertility activity of methanolic extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides leaf on male rats. During the experiment, different doses of extract (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) were orally administered to rats for 28 days. Analysis of sperm parameters revealed a dose-dependent decrease in sperm motility, viability and daily sperm production (DSP). While, increased oxidative stress in reproductive organs; and impaired testicular and epididymal histology was also evident in high dose regimen. Furthermore, a reduction in concentrations of plasma testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) was also recorded. Reduced pregnancy outcome and small litter size in the females paired with treated male rats after 30 days of treatment withdrawn was noted in higher doses. From these findings, it is concluded that the methanolic leaf extract of C. ambrosioides is quite effective in reversible suppression of male fertility.

In vitro antimicrobial and antimycobacterial activity and HPLC-DAD screening of phenolics from Chenopodium ambrosioides L

Abstract The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the antimicrobial potential of the crude extract and fractions of Chenopodium ambrosioides L., popularly known as Santa-Maria herb, against microorganisms of clinical interest by the microdilution technique, and also to show the chromatographic profile of the phenolic compounds in the species. The Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of cardiotonic, anthraquinone, alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids. The analysis by HPLC-DAD revealed the presence of rutin in the crude extract (12.5 ± 0.20 mg/g), ethyl acetate (16.5 ± 0.37 mg/g) and n-butanol (8.85 ± 0.11 mg/g), whereas quercetin and chrysin were quantified in chloroform fraction (1.95 ± 0.04 and 1.04 ± 0.01 mg/g), respectively. The most promising results were obtained with the ethyl acetate fraction, which inhibited a greater number of microorganisms and presented the lowest values of MIC against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 0.42 mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 34.37 mg/mL), Paenibacillus apiarus (MIC = 4.29 mg/mL) and Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus (MIC = 4.29 mg/mL). Considering mycobacterial inhibition, the best results were obtained by chloroform fraction against M. tuberculosis, M. smegmatis, and M. avium (MIC ranging from 156.25 to 625 µg/mL). This study proves, in part, that the popular use of C. ambrosioides L. can be an effective and sustainable alternative for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by various infectious agents.

Inhibition of the essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides L. and α-terpinene on the NorA efflux-pump of Staphylococcus aureus.

This study was carried out to test the essential oil from C. ambrosioides leaves and its main constituent, α-Terpinene, in an antibacterial activity assay. As well, it was evaluated ability reduce resistance to norfloxacin and ethidium bromide was compared the Staphylococcus aureus 1199B whith 1199 wild type strain. The MIC of the C. ambrosioides essential oil and α-Terpinene were determined by microdilution method. The MIC of the essential oil and α-Terpinene presented a value ≥ 1024 µg/mL. However, when associated with antibacterials, the essential oil from C. ambrosioides leaves significantly reduced the MIC of antibiotics and ethidium bromide, characterizing an efflux pump inhibition. The C. ambrosioides essential oil, despite having no direct antibacterial activity against the S. aureus 1199B strain, showed a potentiating action when associated with antibacterial agents, this being attributed to an inhibition of efflux pumps.

Anti-arthritic properties of crude extract from Chenopodium ambrosioides L. leaves.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic crude extract (HCE) from Chenopodium ambrosioides leaves on the development of type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and on pro-inflammatory cytokine balance. METHODS: Collagen-induced arthritis was induced in DBA1/J mice. On the 21st day, the mice were treated orally with HCE or methotrexate, daily. Six weeks after beginning the treatment, the following measures were determined: lymphoid organs cell numbers, percentage of blood cells, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17 serum concentrations, activity of hepatic and kidney glutathione S-transferase, hepatic 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity, bone density and histopathology. KEY FINDINGS: Treatment of CIA mice with HCE 5 mg/kg (HCE5) reduced the percentage of neutrophils and macrophages and the number of bone marrow cells and increased the lymphocyte numbers and the inguinal lymph node cellularity. This treatment inhibited the serum concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α, which may be related to the preservation of bone density and to the slight thickening of periarticular tissues, with minimal fibrosis and fibroblast proliferation in the joints. The CIA group presented advanced articular erosion and synovial hyperplasia. Phytochemical analysis showed mainly flavonols. CONCLUSIONS: HCE5 presented anti-arthritic potential and reduced IL-6 and TNF-α, which participate directly in the development and maintenance of the inflammatory process in rheumatoid arthritis.

Interaction of ascaridole, carvacrol, and caryophyllene oxide from essential oil of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. with mitochondria in Leishmania and other eukaryotes.

The antileishmanial activity of the essential oil (EO) from Chenopodium ambrosioides L. has been demonstrated in vitro and in animal models, attributed to the major components of the EO. This study focused on the effects of the three major EO compounds carvacrol, caryophyllene oxide (Caryo), and the antileishmanial endoperoxide ascaridole (Asc) on mitochondrial functions in Leishmania tarentolae promastigotes (LtP). EO and Caryo were able to partially inhibit the leishmanial electron transport chain, whereas other components failed to demonstrate a direct immediate effect. Caryo demonstrated inhibition of complex III activity in LtP and in isolated complex III from other species. The formation of superoxide radicals was studied in Leishmania by electron spin resonance spectroscopy in the presence of iron chelators wherein selected compounds failed to trigger a significant immediate additional superoxide production in LtP. However, upon prolonged incubation of Leishmania with Asc and especially in the absence of iron chelators (allowing the activation of Asc), an increased superoxide radical production and significant impairment of mitochondrial coupling in Leishmania was observed. Prolonged incubation with all EO components resulted in thiol depletion. Taken together, the major components of EO mediate their leishmanicidal activity via different mitochondrial targets and time profiles. Further studies are required to elucidate possible synergistic effects of carvacrol and Asc and the influence of minor compounds.

In vitro antimicrobial and antimycobacterial activity and HPLC-DAD screening of phenolics from Chenopodium ambrosioides L.

The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the antimicrobial potential of the crude extract and fractions of Chenopodium ambrosioides L., popularly known as Santa-Maria herb, against microorganisms of clinical interest by the microdilution technique, and also to show the chromatographic profile of the phenolic compounds in the species. The Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of cardiotonic, anthraquinone, alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids. The analysis by HPLC-DAD revealed the presence of rutin in the crude extract (12.5±0.20mg/g), ethyl acetate (16.5±0.37mg/g) and n-butanol (8.85±0.11mg/g), whereas quercetin and chrysin were quantified in chloroform fraction (1.95±0.04 and 1.04±0.01mg/g), respectively. The most promising results were obtained with the ethyl acetate fraction, which inhibited a greater number of microorganisms and presented the lowest values of MIC against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC=0.42mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC=34.37mg/mL), Paenibacillus apiarus (MIC=4.29mg/mL) and Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus (MIC=4.29mg/mL). Considering mycobacterial inhibition, the best results were obtained by chloroform fraction against M. tuberculosis, M. smegmatis, and M. avium (MIC ranging from 156.25 to 625µg/mL). This study proves, in part, that the popular use of C. ambrosioides L. can be an effective and sustainable alternative for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by various infectious agents.

Effect of Chenopodium ambrosioides on the healing process of the in vivo bone tissue.

The focus of this double-blind randomized study was on evaluating the effect of an aqueous extract of Mastruz (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.) on the bone repair process in vivo. In total, 36 male Wistar rats were randomly selected for this study, and divided into 3 groups (n = 12): Group HS (Hemostatic Sponge), Group SM (Hemostatic Sponge with Mastruz) and Group BC (Blood Clot). In each animal, bone defects measuring 2 mm in diameter were performed in both tibias for placement of the substances. After 3 and 10 days, the animals were sacrificed, and the tissues were analyzed under an optical microscope relative to the following events: inflammatory infiltrate; necrosis; young fibroblasts; osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity; endosteal and periosteal bone formation; and bone repair. The results were assessed by using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (p < .05). Inflammatory infiltrate demonstrated difference between Groups SM and BC in the time interval of 3 days (p = .004); an event related to the presence of the fibrin sponge and liquid of the extract, which induced a foreign body initial reaction. The presence of young fibroblasts (p = .003), osteoclastic (p = .003), and osteoblastic (p = .020) activity was statistically significant between Groups HS and BC in the time interval of 10 days; performance was related to the presence of the sponge within bone. As regards injured bone tissue repair, Group SM demonstrated a higher level of regenerative capacity (p = 0.004), due to a larger quantities of endosteal and periosteal bone formation, demonstrated in Group SM. The aqueous extract of mastruz stimulated bone neoformation, presenting wound closure with bone tissue at the end of 10 days.

Polyol monoterpenes isolated from Chenopodium ambrosioides.

Phytochemical study on the 95% ethyl alcohol extract of stems of Chenopodium ambrosioides resulted in the isolation of two new polyol monoterpenes, 4-hydroxy-4(α or ß)-isopropyl-2-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one (1) and 1-methyl-4ß- isopropyl-1-cyclohexene-4α,5α,6α-triol (2), together with five known compounds, (1S,2S,3R,4S)-1-methyl-4-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexane-1,2,3,4-tetrol (3), (1R,2S,3S,4S)- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxy-p-menthane (4), (1R,2S)-3-p-menthen-1,2-diol (5), (1R,4S)-p- menth-2-en-1-ol (6) and 1,4-dihydroxy-p-menth-2-ene (7). The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of detailed spectroscopic evidence including extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Compounds 1-7 were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity, and compound 1 showed moderate ability to inhibit NO production of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages with an IC50 value of 16.83 µM.

Phytochemical characterisation of an important medicinal plant, Chenopodium ambrosioides Linn.

The project was intended to the phytochemical characterisation from the rudimentary methanolic extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides Linn., which escorts to the isolation of stigmasterol (1), ß-sitosterol (2), octadecanoic acid (3), scopoletin (4) and 1-piperoylpiperidine (5). Literature validates the medicinal authentication of these compounds extorted from other sources, while our previous findings regarding microbial activities of different solvent systems fractions are favouring the presence of medicinally important compounds in this species. Herein, however, we report these natural products for the first time from this species.

Inhibition of the TetK efflux-pump by the essential oil of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. and α-terpinene against Staphylococcus aureus IS-58.

The use of natural products is crucial to suppress the development of these micro-organisms and to reduce the concentration necessary to inhibit these microrganisms, reducing the toxicity risks also. In this study, the essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides Leaves and its main constituent α-Terpinene were used in the antibacterial and potentiating activity of antibiotics and ethidium bromide assays, against the bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus IS-58, carriers of efflux pumps. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined using a microdilution method. The capacity of the aforementioned was also tested in combination with tetracycline and ethidium bromide, with the aim of improving the activity of the antibacterials. The MIC of the C. ambrosioides L. essential oil and of α-Terpinene were above 1024 µg/mL, comprising a clinically irrelevant value. However, when associated with the antibiotics, the C. ambrosioides L. essential oil, significantly decreased the MIC of tetracycline and ethidium bromide. The efflux pump is the only mechanism the bacteria possesses to reduce the toxicity of ethidium bromide, and thus this reduction in the MIC demonstrates that the C. ambrosioides L. essential oil is an effective option in the inhibition of the efflux pump present in these micro-organisms.

Antimalarial potential of leaves of Chenopodium ambrosioides L.

In an effort to identify novel therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of malaria, the present study evaluated the antimalarial effect of the crude hydroalcoholic extract (HCE) from the leaves of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. For this purpose, the molecular affinity between the total proteins from erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium falciparum and HCE or chloroquine was evaluated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Subsequently, the plasmodicidal potential of HCE was assessed in a P. falciparum culture. Using BALB/c mice infected with Plasmodium berghei intraperitoneally (ip.), we evaluated the effects of ip. treatment, for three consecutive days (day 7, 8, and 9 after infection), with chloroquine (45 mg/kg) or HCE (5 mg/kg), considering the survival index and the parasitaemia. The groups were compared to an untreated control group that receives only PBS at the same periods. The results indicated that HCE could bind to the total proteins of infected erythrocytes and could inhibit the parasite growth in vitro (IC50 = 25.4 g/mL). The in vivo therapeutic treatment with HCE increased the survival and decreased the parasitaemia in the infected animals. Therefore, the HCE treatment exhibited a significant antiplasmodial effect and may be considered as a potential candidate for the development of new antimalarial drugs.