In this study, the in vitro amoebicidal effect of 10 Sesquiterpenes extracted from Palythoa aff.
clavata was evaluated against three different Acanthamoeba strains using a colorimetric assay
based on the alamarBlue®. Moreover, cytotoxicity studies in murine macrophages were carried
out using the same colorimetric test. In order to evaluate the action mode to induce cell death,
different apoptosis elucidation kits were used.
Our results showed that the tested sesquiterpenes presented in vitro anti-Acanthamoeba activity
at low doses causing low toxicity to macrophages. Furthermore, guaititol 7 induced chromatin
condensation, reduction of the ATP levels, mitochondrial membrane potential disruption and
plasmatic membrane increased permeability in A. castellanii Neff, which indicate an activation of
a programmed cell death pathway. Thus, these molecules could serve as a potential alternative
in therapy against Acanthamoeba infections.
