Identification of Asiaticoside from Centella erecta (Apiaceae) as Potential Apyrase Inhibitor by UF-UHPLC-MS and Its In Vivo Antischistosomal Activity

Schistosomiasis, caused by parasites of the genusSchistosoma, is a neglected disease with high global prevalence, affecting more than 240 million people in several countries. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug currently available for the treatment.S. mansoniNTPDases (known as SmNTPDases, ATP diphosphohydrolases orecto-apyrases) are potential drug targets for the discovery of new antischistosomal drugs. In this study, we screen NTPDases inhibitors fromCentella erecta(Apiaceae) using an ultrafiltration combined UHPLC-QTOF-MS method and potato apyrase, identifying asiaticoside as one of the apyrase-binding compounds. After isolation of asiaticoside fromC. erectaextract, we assessed its in vivo antischistosomal activities againstSchistosoma mansoniworms and its in vitro enzymatic apyrase inhibition. Also, molecular docking analysis of asiaticoside against potato apyrase,S. mansoniNTPDases 1 and 2 were performed. Asiaticoside showed a significant in vitro apyrase inhibition and molecular docking studies corroborate with its possible actions in potato apyrase andS. mansoniNTPDases. In mice harboring a patentS. mansoniinfection, a single oral dose of asiaticoside (400 mg/kg. p.o.) showed significantly in vivo antischistosomal efficacy, markedly decreasing the total worm load and egg burden, giving support for further exploration of apyrase inhibitors as antischistosomal agents.Keywords:Schistosoma mansoni;natural products;asiaticoside