What is it about?

There is the need for alternative sources of treatment against threadworm infections in humans. We have shown for the first time that eryngial, a bioactive compound that has been identified in and isolated from the plant Eryngium foetidum, effectively kills threadworm, the disease causing agent, in vitro. Its activity compares favorably with ivermectin, which is currently the commercial drug of choice for treating threadworm infections.

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Why is it important?

Approximately 300 million individuals are infected worldwide by threadworms (Strongyloides stercoralis). Infections can be life-threatening. With the emerging incidence of drug resistance and ineffectiveness (poor efficacy) of some commercial drugs, the need for new sources of treatment against threadworm infections is apparent. Thus, the discovery of eryngial as a potential new source of treatment against human threadworm infections is timely.

Perspectives

Original data arising from this research highlight the bioactivity of egyngial as a potential new source of treatment against threadworm infections.

Wayne Forbes
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

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This page is a summary of: Eryngial (trans-2-dodecenal), a bioactive compound fromEryngium foetidum: its identification, chemical isolation, characterization and comparison with ivermectinin vitro, Parasitology, October 2013, Cambridge University Press,
DOI: 10.1017/s003118201300156x.
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