%0 Journal Article
%T Ellagitannins of the fruit rind of pomegranate (Punica granatum) antagonize in vitro the host inflammatory response mechanisms involved in the onset of malaria
%A Mario Dell'Agli
%A Germana V Galli
%A Michela Bulgari
%A Nicoletta Basilico
%A Sergio Romeo
%A Deepak Bhattacharya
%A Donatella Taramelli
%A Enrica Bosisio
%J Malaria Journal
%D 2010
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1475-2875-9-208
%X From the methanolic extract of the fruit rind, a fraction enriched in tannins (Pg-FET) was prepared. MMP-9 secretion and expression were evaluated in THP-1 cells stimulated with haemozoin or TNF. The assays were conducted in the presence of the Pg-FET and its chemical constituents ellagic acid and punicalagin. The effect of urolithins, the ellagitannin metabolites formed by human intestinal microflora, was also investigated.Pg-FET and its constituents inhibited the secretion of MMP-9 induced by haemozoin or TNF. The effect occurred at transcriptional level since MMP-9 mRNA levels were lower in the presence of the tested compounds. Urolithins as well inhibited MMP-9 secretion and expression. Pg-FET and pure compounds also inhibited MMP-9 promoter activity and NF-kB-driven transcription.The beneficial effect of the fruit rind of Punica granatum for the treatment of malarial disease may be attributed to the anti-parasitic activity and the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory mechanisms involved in the onset of cerebral malaria.Pomegranate (Punica granatum L., Punicaceae) is used in the traditional medicine of different Asian cultures for the treatment of a variety of ailments. In Ayurvedic medicine, the plant, described under its Sanskrit name "dalima" (fruit), is considered as a "blood tonic" and used to cure parasitic infections [1]. The decoction of the root was found beneficial in fevers and chronic debility due to malaria. Moreover, the fruit rind powder was found to possess immunomodulatory properties [2].The eastern province of Orissa (India) is an area endemic for both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax; malaria constitutes a major health problem for the population, in particular for those living in rural areas. Since 1998, malaria patients referring to the Ayurveda dispensary receive a herbal preparation named OMARIA, made of sun-dried rind of the immature P. granatum fruits (Pg). OMARIA (the acronym for Orissa Malaria Research Indigenous Attempt) is dis
%U http://www.malariajournal.com/content/9/1/208