Ellagic Acid Induces Alkalinisation in Plasmodium falciparum
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Ellagic Acid Induces in vitro Alkalinisation of the Digestive Vacuole in Drug-Sensitive Plasmodium falciparum Strain
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Nur Hazirah Muchtar, Nik Nor Imam Nik Mat Zin, Fatin Sofia Mohamad, Nurhidanatasha Abu-Bakar
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Ellagic Acid Induces in vitro Alkalinisation of the Digestive Vacuole in Drug-Sensitive Plasmodium falciparum Strain
Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2022.29.4.5
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, primarily caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most lethal species. The emergence of drug-resistant strains of P. falciparum has severely compromised the effectiveness of standard antimalarial therapies, particularly artemisinin-based combination treatments. With the urgent need for new therapeutic strategies, this study investigates the potential of ellagic acid, a naturally occurring phenolic compound, as an alternative antimalarial agent. The aim is to assess its influence on the pH of the P. falciparum digestive vacuole, which plays a critical role in the parasite's ability to degrade hemoglobin.
Impact on Digestive Vacuole pH
The study reveals that ellagic acid exhibits potent antimalarial activity, with an IC50 comparable to that of artemisinin. Notably, the treatment with ellagic acid resulted in significant alterations to the pH of the digestive vacuole of the parasite, shifting from acidic levels toward more alkaline conditions in a concentration-dependent manner. The specific changes in pH were measured using a flow cytometry technique that involved a ratiometric pH indicator. Additionally, the findings indicated a similar pH-modulating effect with concanamycin A, a known proton pump inhibitor, suggesting the involvement of proton pumps in the mechanism of action of ellagic acid. This highlights the critical role of pH regulation within the digestive vacuole, impacting hemoglobin digestion and heme detoxification processes essential for parasite survival.
Conclusion
The findings of this study underscore the potential of ellagic acid as a promising candidate for antimalarial drug development, particularly due to its ability to alter the pH of the P. falciparum digestive vacuole. This effect seems to be mediated via the inhibition of proton pumps regulating the vacuolar acidity, which is crucial for the parasite's nutrient uptake and overall survival. The research suggests that further exploration, including isobologram analysis and in vivo studies, could solidify the role of ellagic acid and its mechanisms of action in the fight against malaria, addressing the pressing need for effective alternatives to current antimalarial drugs.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of ellagic acid in malaria treatment?
Ellagic acid has shown promising antimalarial activity against *Plasmodium falciparum*, comparable to artemisinin. Its potential lies in altering the pH of the parasite's digestive vacuole, possibly by inhibiting proton pumps, which may disrupt critical processes for the parasite's survival.
How does ellagic acid affect the pH of the parasite's vacuole?
Ellagic acid alters the digestive vacuole's pH in a concentration-dependent manner. Treated parasites showed an increase in pH values, indicating that ellagic acid affects the proton pumps that maintain the acidity necessary for the parasite's functions.
What methods were used to assess ellagic acid's effectiveness?
The study employed the malarial SYBR Green 1 fluorescence-based assay to determine the antimalarial activity of ellagic acid and flow cytometry with a pH-sensitive probe to measure changes in the digestive vacuole's pH.
What are the implications of changes in the digestive vacuole's pH?
Changing the pH of the digestive vacuole can interfere with the *Plasmodium* parasite's ability to degrade hemoglobin and detoxify heme, which are vital for its growth and reproduction.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ellagic Acid Induces Alkalinisation in Plasmodium falciparum”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
Activity refers to the degree of effect a substance has on biological systems, particularly in the context of pharmacology. In the study of antimalarial compounds, activity can indicate how well a drug inhibits or kills the malaria parasite, which is crucial for developing effective treatments.
2) Drug:
A drug is a chemical substance used for medical purposes, particularly in the treatment or prevention of disease. In the context of the discussed research, the drug ellagic acid is evaluated for its antimalarial properties, showcasing the ongoing search for new therapeutic options against drug-resistant malaria strains.
3) Study (Studying):
A study is an investigation or analysis aimed at discovering new information or understanding phenomena. The relevance of the study lies in its evaluation of ellagic acid's potency against malaria, which contributes to scientific knowledge and potentially leads to effective treatments for malaria infections.
4) Food:
Food encompasses any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for the body. In this context, the source of ellagic acid primarily includes various fruits, specifically pomegranate. Understanding the dietary sources of such compounds can lead to insights about their potential health benefits and therapeutic applications.
5) Rich (Rch):
Rich typically refers to something that contains a high concentration of a particular substance. In the study, when discussing medicinal plants, they are considered rich in phytochemicals, meaning they have a high abundance of compounds that may possess significant health benefits, including antimalarial activity.
6) Species:
Species is a fundamental category in biological classification that refers to a group of organisms capable of interbreeding. The term is relevant here as it pertains to the various species of Plasmodium responsible for malaria, highlighting the need to target specific species when developing antimalarial therapies.
7) Channel:
In biology, channel often refers to a pathway for substances to move across a membrane. The relevance of this term lies in the physiological mechanisms, such as the ion channels involved in the transport processes within the malaria parasite, affecting its ability to survive and proliferate.
8) Disease:
A disease is a pathological condition of a bodily part, an animal, or a human resulting from various causes. Malaria is a significant disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, underscoring the necessity for continued research into effective treatments to combat the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with it.
9) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the study of drugs and their effects on the body. The pharmacological evaluation of compounds like ellagic acid aims to determine their potential therapeutic effects, contributing to the development of new antimalarial drugs that can address the challenges posed by drug resistance.
10) Measurement:
Measurement is the process of determining the size, volume, or amount of a substance. In the context of this research, measurement refers to quantifying the pH of the digestive vacuole in malaria parasites after treatment with ellagic acid, vital for understanding how the compound exerts its effect.
11) Medium:
A medium in biological studies refers to the environment or substance used for cultivating organisms. In the research, RPMI 1640 is used as a culture medium to support the growth of Plasmodium falciparum, ensuring optimal conditions for the evaluation of the antimalarial effects of compounds.
12) Indian:
The term Indian typically refers to anything related to India, including its flora, culture, and traditional medicinal practices. In the context of this research, consideration of Indian plants might highlight the exploration of indigenous plants as sources for discovering new antimalarial compounds.
13) Table:
Table generally refers to a systematic arrangement of data in rows and columns. Tables in scientific research help organize information clearly, allowing for easier comparison of results, such as the varying effects of different concentrations of ellagic acid on malaria parasites.
14) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants that may have health benefits. Understanding the role of phytochemicals like ellagic acid from various plants aids in exploring their potential in medicinal applications and developing new treatments, particularly in combatting malaria.
15) Pomegranate:
Pomegranate is a fruit known for its rich phytochemical content, particularly ellagic acid. The relevance of pomegranate pertains to its potential use as a source of natural compounds that can combat diseases like malaria, supporting the exploration of dietary sources in drug discovery.
16) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science or practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. The study of ellagic acid within the field of medicine highlights the importance of herbal remedies and natural compounds in developing new treatments for diseases like malaria.
17) Death:
Death signifies the cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism. The substantial mortality associated with malaria emphasizes the urgency for effective treatments and highlights the importance of research into natural antimalarial compounds, like ellagic acid, that may mitigate such outcomes.
18) Post:
Post typically refers to something that occurs after a specific event. In the context of this research, post might indicate subsequent observations or treatments measured after administering ellagic acid to malaria parasites, crucial for assessing the compound's effects over time.
19) Punica granatum:
Punica granatum is the scientific name for the pomegranate tree, which is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The relevance of Punica granatum lies in its role as a natural source of ellagic acid, contributing to the exploration of this compound's antimalarial potential.
20) Srivastava (Sri-vastava, Shrivastava, Shri-vastava):
Srivastava is a common surname and may refer to a researcher or author involved in the study. The mention of authors like Srivastava highlights collaboration in scientific research, emphasizing the importance of shared knowledge and expertise in tackling public health issues like malaria.
21) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
An antibiotic is a substance that inhibits the growth of or destroys bacteria. The relevance of antibiotics in this context underscores the distinction between bacterial infections and malaria, which is caused by a parasite, thereby necessitating different therapeutic approaches and drug discoveries.
22) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a diverse group of plant-based compounds known for their antioxidant properties. In researching compounds like ellagic acid, flavonoids become relevant as potential alternatives or supplements in antimalarial treatment, highlighting the role of plant-derived substances in medicine.
23) Mishra (Misra):
Mishra is a surname often associated with researchers or professionals in scientific studies. Its relevance in this research context might signify collaboration or contributions from individuals with the last name Mishra, pointing to team efforts in developing new antimalarial therapies.
24) Forest:
Forest typically refers to a large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth. In studies of medicinal plants, forests may serve as vital resources for discovering new phytochemicals, pointing to the ecological significance of biodiversity in the search for effective antimalarial compounds.
25) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. While primarily unrelated to malaria, the mention of cancer in the context of phytochemicals emphasizes the broader therapeutic potential of compounds like ellagic acid, which may exhibit efficacy against multiple diseases.
26) Pillai:
Pillai is a surname and may refer to a researcher or contributor to the discussed study. In scientific research, names like Pillai signify the role of collaboration among various experts working toward common goals in combating diseases like malaria.
27) Kumar:
Kumar is a common surname in India and may represent a contributor to the research. Its presence emphasizes the collaborative nature of scientific inquiry, particularly in multidrug-resistant malaria studies, and highlights efforts involving diverse teams to find effective treatments.
28) Patel:
Patel is a surname often associated with individuals in the medical field, possibly indicating a researcher involved in the study. The inclusion of such names reflects collaboration in the research process aimed at addressing significant health challenges such as malaria.
29) Patil:
Patil is a common surname in India and could denote a researcher or author involved in the study. The significance of such names underscores the collaborative efforts in the scientific community to work on critical health issues like malaria treatment.
30) Water:
Water is vital for all living organisms and plays a crucial role in biological processes. In the context of this research, water may relate to the medium used for cultivating Plasmodium, highlighting its importance in laboratory studies and maintaining optimal conditions for parasite growth.
31) Blood:
Blood is a bodily fluid essential for transporting nutrients and waste products. In malaria research, understanding the interaction between Plasmodium parasites and erythrocytes (red blood cells) is key, as malaria’s pathogenicity hinges on its lifecycle within these cells.
32) Cina:
China is a country that may relate to research or data on malaria in specific regions. The mention of China could signify studies concerning the evolution of drug resistance in malaria strains and the impact of geographical factors on malaria treatment efficacy.
33) Desha (Desa):
Desa is a term that may refer to a locality or community, particularly in Indian contexts. Its relevance in the research could indicate the geographic focus or fieldwork conducted in specific communities when studying plant-derived antimalarial compounds.
34) Rubu:
Rubu may refer to a specific plant or a nickname for a relevant species. While it is less common in this context, understanding its possible association with phytochemicals or traditional knowledge adds depth to research focusing on natural remedies for malaria.
35) Mina:
Mina could refer to a researcher or individual's name associated with studies concerning medicinal plants. The significance of names like Mina in scientific articles highlights the collaborative nature of research and the importance of diverse perspectives in tackling public health challenges.
36) Ushta (Usta):
Usta is a surname that may refer to a professional or researcher in the field discussed. Its relevance indicates the importance of collaborative input from various individuals in conducting effective research on plant-based compounds for malaria treatment.
37) Wolf:
Wolf can represent a researcher or could imply a specific concept relevant in biology. Its mention in scientific texts underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the sharing of knowledge among experts in combating diseases such as malaria.
38) Chan:
Chan could refer to a researcher or individual contributing to the scientific study. The relevance of the name reflects the importance of collaboration in research projects, especially in finding effective treatments for diseases like malaria where teamwork enhances outcomes.
39) Life:
Life refers to the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic matter. In research concerning malaria and treatment development, life signifies the need to protect and enhance human health through effective medical interventions based on new discoveries in pharmacology.
40) Discussion:
Discussion is an integral part of scientific research where findings are interpreted, and implications are drawn. It is relevant for clarifying the significance of results obtained regarding ellagic acid’s effects on malaria, placing contributions into a wider context within the field.
41) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulate refers to the process of gathering or amassing. In this research, understanding how compounds like ellagic acid may accumulate within the malaria parasite helps decipher their potential mechanisms of action and assess their overall effectiveness as antimalarial agents.
42) Education:
Education encompasses the process of acquiring knowledge and skills. In the context of medical research, education plays a crucial role in training researchers and healthcare professionals to understand and develop new treatment strategies for diseases such as malaria, contributing to public health improvements.
43) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge, encompassing fields like biology and pharmacology. Its relevance in malaria research is paramount since scientific inquiry drives the discovery of new antimalarial compounds and the understanding of resistance mechanisms for effective treatments.
44) Campu:
Campu (likely a misspelling of Campus) generally refers to an academic institution's grounds, where research activities occur. The term's relevance highlights the importance of institutional support and resources in facilitating vital studies on phytochemicals for malaria treatments and other health-related investigations.
45) Genu:
Genu could refer to a family, group, or genus in biological terms. In this research context, exploring the genus of plants that produce phytochemicals like ellagic acid could yield insights into new therapeutic avenues for combating malaria disease.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Ellagic Acid Induces Alkalinisation in Plasmodium falciparum’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Phytochemical, In vitro, Half maximal inhibitory concentration, Antioxidant activities, Standard drug, PH measurement, Antimalarial drug, Plasmodium Falciparum, Ellagic Acid, Alkaline pH, Malaria disease, Malaria parasite.