Furanocoumarins from Ruta chalepensis with Amebicide Activity

Abstract

<i>Entamoeba histolytica</i> (protozoan; family Endomoebidae) is the cause of amoebiasis, a disease related to high morbidity and mortality. Nowadays, this illness is considered a significant public health issue in developing countries. In addition, parasite resistance to conventional medicinal treatment has increased in recent years. Traditional medicine around the world represents a valuable source of alternative treatment for many parasite diseases. In a previous paper, we communicated about the antiprotozoal activity in vitro of the methanolic (MeOH) extract of <i>Ruta chalepensis</i> (Rutaceae) against <i>E. histolytica</i>. The plant is extensively employed in Mexican traditional medicine. The following workup of the MeOH extract of <i>R. chalepensis</i> afforded the furocoumarins rutamarin (<b>1</b>) and chalepin (<b>2</b>), which showed high antiprotozoal activity on <i>Entamoeba histolytica</i> trophozoites employing in vitro tests (IC₅₀ values of 6.52 and 28.95 µg/mL, respectively). Therefore, we offer a full scientific report about the bioguided isolation and the amebicide activity of chalepin and rutamarin.