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A series of synthetic N-acylpyrrolidone and -piperidone derivatives of the natural alkaloid piperlongumine were prepared and tested for their activities against Leishmania major and Toxoplasma gondii parasites. Replacement of one of the aryl meta-methoxy groups by halogens such as chlorine, bromine and iodine led to distinctly increased antiparasitic activities. For instance, the new bromo- and iodo-substituted compounds 3 b/c and 4 b/c showed strong activity against L. major promastigotes (IC50 =4.5-5.8 μM). Their activities against L. major amastigotes were moderate. In addition, the new compounds 3 b, 3 c, and 4 a-c exhibited high activity against T. gondii parasites (IC50 =2.0-3.5 μM) with considerable selectivities when taking their effects on non-malignant Vero cells into account. Notable antitrypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma brucei was also found for 4 b. Antifungal activity against Madurella mycetomatis was observed for compound 4 c at higher doses. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies were carried out, and docking calculations of test compounds bound to tubulin revealed binding differences between the 2-pyrrolidone and 2-piperidone derivatives. Microtubules-destabilizing effects were observed for 4 b in T. b. brucei cells.

New benzimidazolium salts were synthesized as N-heterocyclic carbene precursors. These NHC precursors were metallated with Cu2O and CuI in acetone and water under reflux to give novel copper(I) complexes. The structures of these benzimidazolium salts and copper(I) complexes were characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR and LC–MS spectroscopic techniques. The (NHC)Cu(I) complexes 3–4 were tested against MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans microorganisms, Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes, Toxoplasma gondii parasites and against Vero cell line in vitro. The synthesized copper NHC carbene complex 4b (1,3-bis(2,3,4,5,6-pentamdthylbenzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)copper(I) chloride) was the most active against MCF7 cancer cells (half growth Inhibition Concentrations (IC50) = 0.3 µg mL−1), as well as the most potent antimicrobial against E. coli (inhibition zone (IZ) = 23.3 mm), MRSA (IZ = 25.5 mm) and C. albicans (IZ = 28.5 mm) besides its antileishmanial activities against L. major promastigotes and amastigotes (IC50 < 0.04 µg mL−1). Compound 4c (1,3-bis(4-(tert-butyl)benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[d]imida-zol-2-yl)copper(II) bromide) is the most potent anticancer against MDA-MB-231 cancer cells IC50 = 0.4 µg mL−1). Compound 4e (5,6-dimethyl-1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)copper(I) chloride) is the best suitable antitoxoplasmal drug candidate due to its SI of 16.5. These candidates need further study to identify mode of action and drug standardization.

Leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis are parasitic protozoal diseases that pose serious health concerns, especially for immunocompromised people. Leishmania major and Toxoplasma gondii are endemic in Saudi Arabia and are particularly common in the Qassim Region. The present work was conducted to evaluate the in vitro antileishmanial and antitoxoplasmal activity of methanolic extracts and phytochemical fractions from two plants, Euphorpia retusa and Pulicaria undulata, which are ethnobotanical agents used to treat parasitic infection. Whole E. retusa and P. undulata plants were extracted with methanol and fractionated using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water and then were tested in vitro against L. major promastigote and the amastigote stages of T. gondii; the cytotoxicity of the extracts was tested against Vero cell line. The methanolic extracts of E. retusa and P. undulata exhibited promising antitoxoplasmal activity against T. gondii with EC50 values 5.6 and 12.7 μg mL-1, respectively. The chloroform fraction of P. undulata was the most potent, exhibiting an EC50 of 1.4 μg mL-1 and SI value of 12.1. It was also the most active fraction against both L. major promastigotes and amastigotes, exhibiting an EC50 of 3.9 and 3.8 μg mL-1 and SI values 4.4 and 4.5, respectively. The chloroform fraction from P. undulata is a very good candidate for the isolation of active antitoxoplasmal and antileishmanial ingredients; therefore, further phytochemical analysis for active compound isolation is highly recommended.

We study simple mathematical models for the dynamics of interactive wild and sterile insect populations. As well as being mathematically tractable, these models can be used as first approximations to real situations occurring with the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) in which sterile males are released to reduce or eradicate a pest population. This is a method of biological control which can effectively help contain the spread of many pest insects such as the Red Palm Weevil (RPW). Models formulated in this paper are continuous-time, include a strong Allee effect that captures extinction events, and incorporate different strategies of releasing sterile insects. We perform basic studies of dynamical features of these models, with an emphasis on the condition of excitation, and the impact of the different release methods is investigated. Our findings are also demonstrated with some numerical examples.

A new 3,4-difluorobenzylidene analog of curcumin, CDF, was recently reported, which demonstrated significantly enhanced bioavailability and in vivo anticancer activity compared with curcumin. For highlighting the antiparasitic behavior of CDF, we tested this compound together with its new O-methylated analog MeCDF against Leishmania major and Toxoplasma gondii parasites. Both CDF and MeCDF were tested in vitro against L. major and T. gondii. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity against Vero cells and macrophages was determined and selectivity indices were calculated. The DPPH radical scavenging activity assay was carried out in order to determine the antioxidant activity of the test compounds. Both compounds showed high activities against both parasite forms with EC50 values in the (sub-)micromolar range (0.35 to 0.8 μM for CDF, 0.31 to 1.2 μM for MeCDF). The higher activity of CDF against L. major amastigotes when compared with MeCDF can in parts be attributed to the antioxidant activity of CDF while MeCDF lacking any antioxidant activity was more active than CDF against T. gondii parasites. In conclusion, CDF and MeCDF are promising antiparasitic drug candidates due to their high activities against L. major and T. gondii parasites.

Efficient drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis, which is classified as a neglected tropical disease, are sought for. This review covers potential drug candidates from natural plant, fungus and algae sources, which were described over the last six years. The identification of these natural antileishmanials often based on the knowledge of traditional medicines. Crucial insights into the activities of these natural remedies against Leishmania parasites and against infections caused by these parasites in laboratory animals or patients are provided and compared with selected former active examples published more than six years ago. In addition, immuno-modulatory natural antileishmanials and recent developments on combination therapies including natural products and approved antileishmanials are discussed. The described natural products revealed promising data warranting further efforts on the discovery and development of new antileishmanials based on patterns from nature.

A series of the title curcuminoids with structural variance in the heteroatom of the cycloalkanone and the p-substituents of the phenyl rings were tested for their activities against Leishmania major and Toxoplasma gondii parasites. The majority of them showed high activities against both parasite forms with EC50 values in the sub-micromolar concentration range. Bis(p-pentafluorothio)-substituted 3,5-di[(E)-benzylidene]piperidin-4-one 1b was not just noticeable antiparasitic, but also exhibited a considerable selectivity for L. major promastigotes over normal Vero cells. While derivatives differing only in the p-phenyl substituents being CF3 or SF5 showed similar antiparasitic activities, the cyclic ketone hub was more decisive both for the anti-parasitic activities and the selectivities for the parasites vs. normal cells. QSAR calculations confirmed the observed structure-activity relations and suggested structural variations for a further improvement of the antiparasitic activity. Docking studies based on DFT calculations revealed L. major pteridine reductase 1 as a likely molecular target protein of the title compounds.

In this work, the synthesis of isoindolin-1-one-3-phosphonates by a ‘one-pot’ three-component reaction of 2-formylbenzoic acid with primary amines and dimethyl phosphite under solvent and catalyst free-conditions was reported. 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR and elemental analysis techniques, characterized the obtained compounds. The isoindolin-1-one-3-phosphonates were screened for their antimicrobial activities against bacteria and a fungus (Candida albicans). They were additionally also investigated for their anti-parasitical activities against Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes and Toxoplasma gondii in vitro. Cytotoxicity investigations of the isoindolin-1-one-3-phosphonates were led conducted in two human cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7and vero cells.

N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors (2a&ndash, i), their pyridine-enhanced precatalyst preparation stabilization and initiation (PEPPSI)-themed palladium N-heterocyclic carbene complexes (3a&ndash, i) and palladium N-heterocyclic triphenylphosphines complexes (4a&ndash, i) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, and LC&ndash, MS spectroscopic techniques. The (NHC)Pd(II) complexes 3&ndash, 4 were tested against MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Candida albicans microorganisms, Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes, Toxoplasma gondii parasites, and Vero cells in vitro. The biological assays indicated that all compounds are highly active against cancer cells, with an IC50 &lt, 1.5 &micro, g mL&minus, 1. Eight compounds proved antibacterial and antileishmanial activities, while only three compounds had strong antifungal activities against C. albicans. In our conclusion, compounds 3 (b, f, g, and h) and 4b are the most suitable drug candidates for anticancer, antimicrobial, and antiparasitical.

New pyranonaphthoquinone derivatives were synthesized and investigated for their activity against Trypanosoma brucei, Leishmania major, and Toxoplasma gondii parasites. The pentafluorophenyl derivative was efficacious against T. brucei with single digit micromolar EC50 values and against T. gondii with even sub-micromolar values. The 3-chloro-4,5-dimethoxyphenyl derivative showed an activity against amastigotes of Leishmania major parasites comparable to that of amphotericin B. In addition, antioxidant activities were observed for the bromophenyl derivatives, and their redox behavior was studied by cyclovoltammetry. Anti-parasitic and antioxidative activities of the new naphthoquinone derivatives appear uncorrelated.

A series of bis-naphthoquinone derivatives prepared by condensation of aryl aldehydes with lawsone were tested for antiparasitic activities against Toxoplasma gondii and Trypanosoma brucei parasites. Monofluorophenyl derivative 1a, 3,4-difluorophenyl analog 1c and furyl compound 1l exhibited significant activity against T. gondii cells and appear to be new promising drug candidates against this parasite. The 3,4,5-trifluorophenyl derivative 1g and the isovanillyl derivative 1j displayed selective activity against Leishmania major amastigotes.

A series of cationic gold(I)-carbene complexes with various 4,5-diarylimidazolylidene ligands were either newly prepared or repurposed for testing against protozoal Leishmania major, Toxoplasma gondii, and Trypanosoma brucei parasites. The syntheses of the new complexes 1b and 1c were described. Ferrocene compound 1a showed the highest activities against L. major amastigotes and T. gondii and distinct selectivity for T. gondii cells when compared with the activity against nonmalignant Vero cells. The ferrocene derivatives 1a-c are generally more active against the L. major amastigotes and the T. gondii tachyzoites than the other tested anisyl gold complexes and the approved drugs atovaquone and amphotericin B. Compounds 1a and 1e showed the highest selectivities for L. major amastigotes. Compounds 1d and 1f showed the highest selectivities for L. major promastigotes; 1f was the most active compound against L. major promastigotes of this series of compounds. The 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl analog 1b also exhibited a much greater selectivity for T. b. brucei cells when compared with its activity against human HeLa cells.

Considering the potentiality of honey in combating diseases, the present study was carried out aiming to assess the in vitro antiprotozoal activity of several honeys (Ziziphus spina-christi, Acacia nilotica, Acacia seyal, and Cucurbita maxima) against Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia by employing the sub-culture method. All the tested honeys inhibited the growth of trophozoites, and the level of inhibition varied according to the assayed concentrations and incubation times. Acacia seyal honey had completely stopped motility of E. histolytica trophozoites at a concentration ≤ 50 µg/ml after incubation for 72 h. Ziziphus spina-christi, Acacia seyal, and Acacia nilotica honeys had completely inhibited the growth of Giardia lamblia trophozoites at concentration ≤ 200 µg/ml after 72 h. These inhibitory activities were similar to that of Metronidazole™ which showed IC50 = 0.27. The mammalian cytotoxicity of these honeys against normal Vero cell line which determined by applying MTT method verified the nontoxicity of the examined honeys. Also the proximate composition of the samples indicated compliance with the natural honey standards. The findings of the study indicate the need for in vivo studies and further investigations to identify active principles with antiprotozoal activities from natural honeys. Keywords: Natural honey, Antiprotozoal, Cytotoxicity, Metronidazole™

Substituted lawsone Mannich bases 2a – e , 3a – e and 4a – e were prepared and tested for their biological activities. The new fatty alkyl substituted compounds 2a – c exhibited strong and selective growth inhibitory activities in the low one-digit micromolar and sub-micromolar range against a panel of human cancer cell lines associated with ROS formation. In addition, compounds 2a – c revealed sub-micromolar anti-trypanosomal activities against parasitic Trypanosoma brucei brucei cells via deformation of the microtubule cytoskeleton. The N -hexadecyl compound 2c was also highly active against locally isolated Entamoeba histolytica parasite samples exceeding the activity of metronidazole.

A series of new lawsone Mannich bases derived from salicylaldehydes or nitrofurfural were prepared and tested for their activities against Leishmania major, Toxoplasma gondii, and Trypanosoma brucei brucei parasites. The hydrochloride salts 5a and 6a of the Mannich bases 2a and 3a, derived from unsubstituted salicylaldehyde and long-chained alkyl amines, were selectively and strongly active against T. gondii cells and appear to be new promising drug candidates against this parasite. Compound 6a showed an even higher activity against T. gondii than the known lawsone Mannich base 1b. Compound 4a, derived from salicylaldehyde and 2-methylaminopyridine, was also distinctly active against T. gondii cells. The derivatives 3a (salicyl derivative), 3b (3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxyphenyl derivative), and 3d (5-nitrofuranyl derivative) as well as the hydrochlorides 6a and 6b were also efficacious against T. b. brucei cells with compounds 3a and 3b being more selective for T. b. brucei over Vero cells when compared with the known control compound 1b. The derivatives 5a, 5c, 6a, and 6c proved to be up to five times more active than 1b against L. major promastigotes and up to four times more efficacious against L. major amastigotes.

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a serious zoonotic protozoal disease that is distributed worldwide and can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. In most cases, it is asymptomatic, but in immunocompromised individuals, it is associated with severe neurological and gastrointestinal disorders. A previous serological prevalence investigation in Saudi Arabia indicated that the disease prevalence ranged between 25% and 51% in various areas. Recommended commercial drugs cannot achieve 100% clearance due to side effects. Hence, the development of new safe and affordable drugs is an important goal. Aim: In the present study, extracts from the leaves and fruit of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. collected from different areas, along with two other medicinal plants (Argemone mexicana L. and Xanthium brasilicum Vell.) with established antiprotozoal activity, will be evaluated for antitoxoplasmal activity using an in vitro technique. Materials and Methods: All plants were extracted with 100% methanol and examined for activity against the Toxoplasma gondii RH strain via an intracellularly invaded Vero cell line with calculated inhibition percentages. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay against the Vero cell line was used for cytotoxic evaluation, followed by selectivity index (SI) calculation. Results: X. brasilicum exhibited the best antitoxoplasmal activity with an IC50of 7.19 μg/ml, followed by the A. indica fruits collected from Qassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and leaves collected from Central Sudan with an IC50of 17.26 and 18.43 μg/ml, respectively. The best SI was obtained from the leaves of A. indica (6.28) collected from Sudan. Conclusion: Although X. brasilicum proved to have very potent antitoxoplasmal activity, the cytotoxicity was also very high, so the isolation of active compounds is highly recommended.

Natural honey contains an array of glycoproteins, proteoglycans and glycopeptides. Size-exclusion chromatography fractionated Ziziphus honey proteins into five peaks with molecular masses in the range from 10 to >200 kDa. The fractionated proteins exhibited in vitro activities against Giardia lamblia with IC50 values ≤ 25 μg/mL. Results indicated that honey proteins were more active as antiprotozoal agents than metronidazole. This study indicated the potential of honey proteins and peptides as novel antigiardial agents.

The efficacy of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit mesocarp was compared with praziquantel in mice infected with Sudanese strain of Schistosoma mansoni. Infected mice were given a single dose of 200 mg/kg body weight of B. aegyptiaca fruit mesocarp and 200 mg/kg b.w. of praziquantel after 6 weeks from the onset of the infection. A significant reduction was observed in EPG (egg count per gram of faeces), eggs burden in tissues and recovery of adult worms (P

Entamoeba histolytica is ranked third on the list of parasitic protozoan infections leading to death behind malaria and schistosomiasis. It is estimated also up to 200 millions of people are chronically infected with Giardia lamblia globally. Metronidazole is the drug currently widely used and recommended in the treatment of amoebiasis and giardiasis. However; sometimes it causes adverse effects such as myoplasia, neuralgia, allergic dermatitis, and others. The in vitro antiprotozoal activities of some selected Sudanese medicinal plants ( Acacia nilotica subsp. nilotica, Adansonia digitata , Cyperus rotundus and Nigella sativa ) were determined against Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia by employing the sub-culture method. The mammalian cytotoxicity of the investigated plants against normal Vero cell line was determined by applying MTT [(4, 5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] method. All plants examined 100% inhibition at a concentration 500 μg/ml after 96 h; this was compared with Metronidazole which gave 95% inhibition at concentration 312.5 μg/ml at the same time against Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia . In addition, cytotoxicity (MTT-assay) of these plants against normal Vero cell line which verified the safety of the examined extracts with an IC 50 less 100 μg/ml. These studies prove the potent activity of extracts against E. histolyica and G. lamblia trophozoites in vitro with verified safety evidence for use.

Ethnopharmacological relevance The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis underscores the need for continuous development of new and efficient methods to determine the susceptibility of isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the search for novel antimycobacterial agents. Natural products constitute an important source of new drugs, and design and implementation of antimycobacterial susceptibility testing methods are necessary to evaluate the different extracts and compounds. In this study we have explored the antimycobacterial properties of 50 ethanolic extracts from different parts of 46 selected medicinal plants traditionally used in Sudan to treat infectious diseases. Materials and methods Plants were harvested and ethanolic extracts were prepared. For selected extracts, fractionation with hydrophilic and hydrophobic solvents was undertaken. A luminometry-based assay was used for determination of mycobacterial growth in broth cultures and inside primary human macrophages in the presence or absence of plant extracts and fractions of extracts. Cytotoxicity was also assessed for active fractions of plant extracts. Results Of the tested extracts, three exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on an avirulent strain of Mycobacterium tubercluosis (H37Ra) at the initial screening doses (125 and 6.25 µg/ml). These were bark and leaf extracts of Khaya senegalensis and the leaf extract of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Further fractions of these plant extracts were prepared with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, ethanol and water, and the activity of these extracts was retained in hydrophobic fractions. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that the chloroform fraction of Khaya senegalensis bark was non-toxic to human monocyte-derived macrophages and other cell types at the concentrations used and hence, further analysis, including assessment of IC50 and intracellular activity was done with this fraction. Conclusion These results encourage further investigations to identify the active compound(s) within the chloroform fraction of Khaya senegalensis bark.

This study was carried out from January 2008 to December 2009 to determine the prevalence of trichomoniasis among women in Khartoum State, Sudan. Two different hospitals were selected. The two hospitals were Ibrahim Malik hospital which is serving an urban area and Ombada hospital which is serving a rural area and migrant people coming from other parts of Sudan particularly Western Sudan. Monthly data was collected including demographic, social and other factors related to infection with trichomoniasis using a questionnaire. Urine samples were collected weekly every month and examined using wet mount preparation method. 297 women were found infected with Trichomonas vaginalis of a total of 2473 examined making an overall prevalence rate of 12%. Prevalence of infection was slightly higher among women in Ombada hospital than those in Ibrahim Malik hospital but the difference is not statistically significant. However, difference in infection is statistically significant regarding areas of residence (P < 0.05). The highest (15.6%) and the lowest (4.8%) prevalence rates were recorded in Alsalam locality (Ombada hospital) and Khartoum locality (Ibrahim Malik hospital) respectively suggesting a difference in awareness between rural and urban areas. Significant differences related to age were recorded. The highest prevalence rates were among women in the age groups 15 to 19 and 20 to 24 years. High infection rates were recorded during the hot and rainy season from July to October. Social, traditional and behavioral factors proved to be important factors in relation to infection of T. vaginalis among women in Khartoum State. Results indicate the importance of the problem and the need for more research and efforts to control it.

Columbin, a diterpenoid furanolactone, was isolated purely for the first time from the plant species Tinspora bakis. The anti-inflammatory effects of columbin were studied in vitro, in silico and in vivo. The effect of columbin on nitric oxide was examined on lipopolysaccharide-interferon-gamma (LPS/IFN) induced RAW264.7 macrophages. In vitro and in silico cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory activities of columbin using biochemical kit and molecular docking, respectively, were investigated. Mechanism of columbin in suppressing NF-kappaB-translocation was tested using Cellomics®NF-κB activation assay and ArrayScan Reader in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, effects of columbin in vivo that were done on carrageenan-induced mice paw-oedema were tested. Lastly, the in vitro and in vivo toxicities of columbin were examined on human liver cells and mice, respectively. Treatment with columbin or N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) inhibited LPS/IFN-γ-induced NO production without affecting the viability of RAW264.7. Pre-treatment of stimulated cells with columbin did not inhibit the translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus in LPS-stimulated cells. COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory activities of columbin were 63.7±6.4% and 18.8±1.5% inhibition at 100μM, respectively. Molecular docking study further helped in supporting the observed COX-2 selectivity. Whereby, the interaction of columbin with Tyr385 and Arg120 signifies its higher activity in COX-2, as Tyr385 was reported to be involved in the abstraction of hydrogen from C-13 of arachidonate, and Arg120 is critical for high affinity arachidonate binding. Additionally, columbin inhibited oedema formation in mice paw. Lastly, the compound was observed to be safe in vitro and in vivo. This study presents columbin as a potential anti-inflammatory drug.

The in vivo and in vitro mechanistic anti-inflammatory actions of cucurbitacin E (CE) (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) were examined. The results showed that LPS/INF-γ increased NO production in RAW264.7 macrophages, whereas L-NAME and CE curtailed it. CE did not reveal any cytotoxicity on RAW264.7 and WRL-68 cells. CE inhibited both COX enzymes with more selectivity toward COX-2. Intraperitoneal injection of CE significantly suppressed carrageenan-induced rat's paw edema. ORAC and FRAP assays showed that CE is not a potent ROS scavenger. It could be concluded that CE is potentially useful in treating inflammation through the inhibition of COX and RNS but not ROS.

Ethanolic extracts of 23 medicinal plants, commonly used in Sudanese folk medicines against infectious diseases, were investigated for their immunomodulating activity using luminol/lucigenin-based chemiluminescence assay. Preliminary screenings on whole blood oxidative burst activity showed inhibitory activities of 14 plant extracts, while only one plant, Balanites aegyptiaca fruits exhibited a proinflammatory activity. Further investigation was conducted by monitoring their effects on oxidative burst of isolated polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and mononuclear cells (MNCs) by using two different phagocytosis activators (serum opsonizing zymosan-A and PMA). Results obtained showed that the fruits and barks of Acacia nilotica, and leaves and barks of Khaya senegalensis, possess average inhibitory effects in the range of 70.7, 67.1, 69.5 and 67.4% on both types of phagocytes (PMNs and MNCs), respectively, at a 6.25 microg/mL concentration. Moderate inhibitory activity (52.2%) was exerted by the aerial parts of Xanthium brasilicum, while the rest of the plants showed only a weak inhibitory activity. The inhibition of oxidative burst activity was found to be irreversible in most of the extracts, except for Peganum harmala, Tephrosia apollinea, Tinospora bakis, and Vernonia amygdalina. Interestingly, the fruits of Balanites aegyptiaca exhibited a moderate proinflammatory effect (37-40.4% increases in ROS level compared to the control) at 25-100 microg/mL concentration in the case of whole blood along with PMNs phagocyte activity. The Tinospora bakis extract showed proinflammatory response at a low concentration (6.25 microg/mL) during activation with PMA. None of these extracts affected PMNs viability (90-98%) upon 2 h incubation, except of the ethanolic extracts of Acacia nilotica fruits and Balanites aegyptiaca barks.

An attempt was made to evaluate the oral doses of 9 g/kg-body weight of Albizzia anthelmintica Brong. Mimoaseae stem bark water extract and 9 g/kg body weight of B. aegyptiaca (L) Del. (Balanitaceae) fruit mesocarp water extract (traditionally used as an anthelmintic in the Sudan) compared with 20 mg/kg body weight (recommended dose) of albendazole against Fasciola gigantica adult worm (12 weeks old) in five groups each of three goats (6 month old). Group (I) uninfected control, group (II) infected untreated control, group (III, IV and V) infected and treated as mentioned above respectively. Based on the percentage reduction in fluke counts from the liver post mortum 2 weeks after treatment, the efficacy of the mentioned therapeutics was 95.5, 93.2 and 97.7%, respectively. The characteristic lesions of liver fasciolosis, egg/gm of faeces (EPG), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration, total red blood cells count (RBC), total white blood cells count (WBC) and oesinophil% were significantly different from control and treated groups (P

Background Hydnora abyssinica (HA) A. Braun is an endemic Sudanese medicinal plant traditionally used as anti-inflammatory and against many infectious diseases. However, it proved to be very rich in phenols and tannins, so the present study was undertaken to investigate the immunomodulatory potential of the whole plant ethanolic extract and its isolated compounds. Methods Lymphocyte proliferation, chemiluminescence and superoxide reduction assays were used for immunomodulatory evaluation. While, MTT (3–(4, 5-dimethylthazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazonium bromide) test was performed on 3 T3 cell line clone in order to evaluate the cytoxicity effect of the extracts and isolated compounds of phenolic derivatives which were carried out by chromotographic techniques. Results Catechin, (1), tyrosol (2) and benzoic acid, 3, 4, dihydroxy-, ethyl ester (3) compounds were isolated from HA ethanolic extract which revealed potent immunosuppressive activity against reactive oxygen species from both polymorph nuclear cells (PMNs) (45–90 % inhibition) and mononuclear cells (MNCs) (30 -65 % inhibition), T lymphocyte proliferation assay (70–93 % inhibition) as well as potent inhibitory effect against superoxide production (42–71 % inhibition) at concentrations of 6.25–100 μg/mL. Catechin (1) was found the most potent immunosuppressive agent among all constituents examined. Conclusion These results can support the traditional uses of H. abyssinica extracts as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive and further investigations of the mode of action and other pharmacological studies are highly desirable.