Antiviral and antiparasitic activities of clovamide: The major constituent of Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight et Arn

Abstract

The application of different chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques to the aqueous alcoholic leaves extract of Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight et Arn. (Mimosaceae) led to the isolation and identification of ten phenolic compounds. Among them, apigenin-7-O-apiosyl (1→2) glucoside, chrysoeriol-7-O-apiosyl (1→2) glucoside and clovamide were isolated for the first time from the plant. The rest of the compounds are: flavonol glycosides (quercetin-3-O-rhamnopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside, myricetin-3-O-rhamnopyranoside and myricetin-3-O-glucopyranoside), and three aglycones (myricetin, apigenin and kaempferol). The crude extract of D. cinerea showed a significant antitrypanosomal and antiviral effects. Clovamide as a major constituent was investigated for its antiviral and antitrypanosomal activities. It showed a significant antiviral effect against H5N1 influenza A virus with inhibition rate (74%) and a momentous trypanocidal effect against Trypanosoma evansi with IC50 value of 3.27 μg/ml, compared with the standard drug; diminazene aceturate (IC50=0.72μg/ml). Therefore, clovamide is playing an important role in antitrypanosomal and antiviral activities for D. cinerea extract and it can be considered a new candidate for the treatment of these two infections.