Amoebicidal activity of curcumin on Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites

Objectives This study was undertaken to investigate the amoebicidal potential of curcumin on Entamoeba histolytica, as well as its synergistic effect with metronidazole. Methods Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites were exposed to 100, 200 and 300 μm of curcumin, for 6, 12 and 24 h. Consequently, the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology 2018-03, Vol.70 (3), p.426-433
Main Authors: Rangel‐Castañeda, Itzia Azucena, Hernández‐Hernández, José Manuel, Pérez‐Rangel, Armando, González‐Pozos, Sirenia, Carranza‐Rosales, Pilar, Charles‐Niño, Claudia Lisette, Tapia‐Pastrana, Gabriela, Ramírez‐Herrera, Mario Alberto, Castillo‐Romero, Araceli
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amoebicidal activity
Curcumin
Electron microscopy
Entamoeba histolytica
Metronidazole
Parasites
Scanning electron microscopy
synergism
Trophozoites
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Summary:Objectives This study was undertaken to investigate the amoebicidal potential of curcumin on Entamoeba histolytica, as well as its synergistic effect with metronidazole. Methods Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites were exposed to 100, 200 and 300 μm of curcumin, for 6, 12 and 24 h. Consequently, the viability of cells was determined by trypan blue exclusion test. All specimens were further analysed by scanning electron microscopy. For drug combination experiment, the Chou‐Talalay method was used. Key findings Curcumin affected the growth and cell viability in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. The higher inhibitory effects were observed with 300 μm at 24 h; 65.5% of growth inhibition and only 28.8% of trophozoites were viable. Additionally, curcumin also altered adhesion and the morphology of the trophozoites. Scanning electron microscopy revealed treated trophozoites with damages on the membrane, size alterations and parasites with loss of cellular integrity. In addition, the combination of curcumin + metronidazole exhibited a synergistic effect; the activity of both drugs was improved. Conclusions This is the first report evaluating the effectiveness of curcumin against E. histolytica. Our results suggest that CUR could be considered for evaluation in future pharmacological studies as a promising amoebicidal agent or as complementary therapy.
ISSN:0022-3573
2042-7158
DOI:10.1111/jphp.12867