Deciphering molecular mechanism underlying antileishmanial activity of Nyctanthes arbortristis, an Indian medicinal plant

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Nyctanthes arbortristis L. (Oleaceae) is widely used in the traditional medicine of India. The plant is shown to have antibacterial and antileishmanial activities. Aim of the study: Evaluation of iridoid glucosides from the plant as inhibitor of trypanothione reductase (TryR), a validated drug target enzyme of the Leishmania parasite. The study contributes towards understanding mechanism of antileishmanial effect of the plant. Materials and methods: TryR of Leishmania parasite is expressed and purified. Iridoid glucosides are isolated from the plant and tested as inhibitor of TryR enzyme of the parasite. Results: Inhibitory constant (K i) of various iridoid glucosides ranges from 3.24±0.05μM to 6.49±0.05μM. Thus, the molecular mechanism underlying antileishmanial activity of these compounds is mediated through inhibition of TryR. Conclusion: The current study also points out towards potential application of iridoid glucosides as novel drugs against the disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]