Essential Oil-Based Nanomedicines against Trypanosomatides

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview on the preclinical applications of EO based-nanomedicines used as trypanocidal agents, discussing the pros and cons of each experimental approach as well the feasibility of its future translation. Nanomedicines are classified as 'nonbiological complex drugs' (NBCDs), that is, drugs showing inherent complexity that determines their pharmacologic activity and ADMET profile, but being of nonbiological, that is, synthetic origin. In theory, nanomedicines may protect carried Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) against oxidation and/or hydrolysis and enhance their intracellular delivery. Recent guidelines posted by the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) recommend to speed the finding of new antichagasic drugs for the chronic phase (DNDi 2016). The EOs of turmeric, whose main constituents are sesquiterpenoids like turmerone has shown anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial and anti-leishmania activity. Curcumin, the active principle of turmeric, isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa is a yellow-orange powder, with high antioxidant activity but low aqueous solubility, chemical instability and low bioavailability.