Styrylpyrone, isolated from an Amazon plant, induces cell cycle arrest and autophagy in Leishmania amazonensis

The search for bioactive compounds against diseases is imperative and the richness of the Amazon provides a large source to be explored. Current therapies for the treatment of parasitic infections have severe side effects and low efficacy, which makes the development of an effective chemotherapy extremely important. In this study, we describe the isolation of styrylpyrone 4-methoxy-6-(11,12-methylenedioxy-trans-styryl)-2-pyrone (SP), from the Amazonian tree species, Aniba panurensis, the in vitro activity against Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes, and its in silico pharmacokinetics properties. The results showed morphological and ultrastructural alterations, cell cycle impairment, increased reactive oxygen species production, accumulation of lipid bodies and formation of autophagic vacuoles in SP-treated parasites. In silico studies revealed that the compound has a high drug-score, which is encouraging for further investigation. Our results indicate that SP is a promising drug candidate, which induces alterations in L. amazonensis leading to parasite death through cell cycle arrest and autophagy.

Automated summary

This study found that the isolated compound SP from the Amazonian tree species has activity against Leishmania amazonensis, causing morphological and ultrastructural changes in parasites, cell cycle impairment, increased production of reactive oxygen species, accumulation of lipid bodies, and formation of autophagic vacuoles. In silico studies showed a high drug-score for SP, suggesting its potential for further investigation as a promising drug candidate for chemotherapy against parasitic infections.