Anandenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan as an inhibitor of HIV-1 BaL infection

Abstract

We reported the in vitro anti-HIV-1 activity, cytotoxicity, cytokines expression and chemical profile of Anadenanthera colubrina. Cytotoxicity was evaluated on TZM-bl, HL2/3 cells and macrophages. Anti-HIV-1 activity was determined by Luciferase assay (TZM-bl cells) and by HIV-p24 quantification (macrophages) assessed by ELISA. TZM-bl and HL2/3 cells were used to determine cell-cell fusion inhibition. Cytokines expression was assessed by ELISA. Chemical composition was determined by Gas Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry. At 66.6 µg/mL, the extract maintained the cell viability above 90%. At 33.28 µg/mL, the extract reduced 82.8% of HIV-1 infection (TZM-bl cells) and HIV-p24 expression (macrophages). The extract inhibited approximately 70% of TZM-bl and HL2/3 cells fusion. Extract did’t induce inflammatory response. Phytochemical analysis showed presence of flavonoid, phenolic acids, fatty acids and sugars. This is the first study presenting the anti-HIV effect of A. colubrina, showing low cytotoxicity and no inflammatory stimuli, important requirements for a microbicide development.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• HIV infection
• microbicides
• anti-HIV agents
• medicinal plants
• natural products

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there are no conflict interests.

Author contributions

Conceptualization: RMM. Investigation and Data curation: CMAM, SP and JPRS. Formal analysis: CMAM, SP, JPRS, JFT, EMMBC and RMM. Writing – original draft: CMAM and SP. Writing – review and editing: EMMBC and RMM.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by National Institutes of Health - NIH (UNC/CFAR) under Grant no. P30AI50410 and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq under grant no. 422275/2016-6].