Combination of the essential oil constituents α-pinene and β-caryophyllene as a potentiator of trypanocidal action on Trypanosoma evansi

Abstract

The effect of the combination of α-pinene and β-caryophyllene on the proliferation of the Trypanosoma evansi was analyzed. These compounds were added individually and in combination at different concentrations to T. evansi cultures, and the in vivo study used mice of 1.0 and 1.5mLkg−1 of α-pinene and β-caryophyllene individually and in combination against T. evansi. In order to evaluate the in vitro safety, lymphocytes and VERO cells were assessed using tetrazolium salt (MTT) assay. The trypanocidal effect of α-pinene and β-caryophyllene was observed in vitro when applied independently or combined at 0.5, 1 and 2% concentrations. The combination effect showed a faster trypanocidal effect when compared to chemotherapy (diminazene aceturate – D.A.). Concerning the in vivo evaluation, α-pinene+β-caryophyllene at 1.0mLkg−1 was able to extend animal longevity and showed 83.33% curative efficacy, a superior result when compared to D.A. (16.66%). The MTT assay showed that the assessed compounds do not present toxicity to used cells. Also, in vivo safety evaluation of α-pinene+β-caryophyllene at 1.0mLkg−1 not altered the aminotransferases levels in serum. Combination between α-pinene and β-caryophyllene shows in vitro and in vivo trypanocidal activity against T. evansi, in a safe dose.