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Research Article

Enhancing the antischistosomal activity of carvacryl acetate using nanoemulsion

    Rafael L de Souza

    Laboratory of Synthesis & Drug Delivery, State University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, 58071-160, Brazil

    ,
    Ana C Mengarda

    Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, 07023-070, Brazil

    ,
    Daniel B Roquini

    Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, 07023-070, Brazil

    ,
    Camila O Melo

    Laboratory of Synthesis & Drug Delivery, State University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, 58071-160, Brazil

    ,
    Mayara C de Morais

    Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, 58051-900, Brazil

    ,
    Maria Cristina C Espírito-Santo

    Laboratory of Immunopathology of Schistosomiasis (LIM-06), Department of Infectious & Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 01246903, Brazil

    Laboratory of Helminthology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05403-000, Brazil

    ,
    Damião P de Sousa

    Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, 58051-900, Brazil

    ,
    Josué de Moraes

    Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, 07023-070, Brazil

    &
    Elquio E Oliveira

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: elquioeleamen@yahoo.com.br

    Laboratory of Synthesis & Drug Delivery, State University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, 58071-160, Brazil

    Published Online:https://doi.org/10.2217/nnm-2022-0228

    Aim: To formulate a carvacryl acetate nanoemulsion (CANE) and test its antischistosomal activity. Materials & methods: CANE was prepared and tested in vitro on Schistosoma mansoni adult worms and both human and animal cell lines. Next, CANE was administered orally to mice infected with either a prepatent infection or a patent infection of S. mansoni. Results: CANE was stable during 90 days of analysis. CANE showed in vitro anthelmintic activity, and no cytotoxic effects were observed. In vivo, CANE was more effective than the free compounds in reducing worm burden and egg production. Treatment with CANE was more effective for prepatent infections than praziquantel. Conclusion: CANE improves antiparasitic properties and may be a promising delivery system for schistosomiasis treatment.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest

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