Parthenin

Parthenin is a pseudoguaianolide-type sesquiterpene lactone present in Parthenium hysterophorus L. Parthenin induces chromosomal aberrations, mainly chromatid breaks, in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Parthenin exhibits toxicity against Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli strains, with reduced toxicity in the presence of a metabolic activation system (S9). Parthenin acts as an antifeedant against the 6th instar larvae of the tobacco cutworm ( Spodoptera litura ). Parthenin shows insecticidal activity against adult cowpea weevils ( Callosobruchus maculatus ). Parthenin inhibits seed germination and seedling growth of sicklepod ( Cassia tora ). Parthenin possesses nematicidal activity against the 2nd instar larvae of the southern root-knot nematode ( Meloidogyne incognita ). Parthenin serves as a research agent for studies related to cancer, malaria, amoebiasis, inflammatory diseases, and bacterial infections ^{[1] [2] [3]}.

In Vivo, Parthenin (4-31 mg/kg; i.p.; single dose) induces a significant increase in micronucleated reticulocyte frequency in both male and female Swiss albino mice at 48 hours post-administration when dosed at 31 mg/kg, with no significant effects at lower doses or at 72 hours^[1]. Parthenin (topical application to leaf discs) exerts moderate antifeedant activity against Spodoptera litura sixth-instar larvae, with an ED50 of 287 mg/L and 99% antifeedancy at 10000 mg/L in a dual-choice assay^[2]. Parthenin (25-1000 mg/L; topical application to Petri dish surfaces) shows minimal insecticidal activity against Callosobruchus maculatus adults, with an LC50 of 568 mg/L after 72 hours of exposure^[2]. Parthenin (100-3000 mg/L; seed soaking) acts as an inhibitor of Cassia tora seed germination and seedling growth, with ID50 values of 364 mg/L (germination), 738 mg/L (plumule length), and 427 mg/L (radicle length)^[2]. Parthenin exhibits moderate repellent activity against the diamondback moth (LC50 = 1709.42 mg/L) and high insecticidal activity against the aphid (LC50 = 947.87 mg/L)^[3]. Parthenin demonstrates insecticidal activity against stored grain pests and nematicidal activity against root knot nematodes^[3].

In Vitro, Parthenin (0.19-19.06 μmole per plate) is not mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 98, and TA 100, but elicits a weak, marginal reversion response in strain TA 102 at 0.19 and 0.49 μmole per plate^[1]. Parthenin (10-60 μM; 17 h) induces dose-dependent chromosomal aberrations, primarily chromatid breaks, in human peripheral blood lymphocytes at 10, 20, 40, and 60 μM, with a borderline significant increase in polyploid metaphases at 40 μM^[1]. Parthenin (100-1000 mg/L; 24-72 h) exhibits moderate nematicidal activity against stage-II juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne incognita in vitro, with an LC50 of 862 mg/L after 48 h and 512 mg/L after 72 h of exposure^[2]. Parthenin exhibits significant anti-malarial activity against multi-drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum, with potential utility against artemisinin-resistant parasites^[3]. Parthenin exhibits amoebicidal activity against Entamoeba histolytica^[3]. Parthenin exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in murine neutrophils by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6^[3]. Parthenin exhibits insecticidal activity against Plutella xylostella, Aphis craccivora, and Tribolium confusum, with varying potency across species^[3]. Parthenin exhibits fungicidal activity against multiple plant pathogenic fungi by inhibiting sporangial germination, zoospore motility, and mycelial growth^[3]. Parthenin (1 μg/mL; 24 h) exhibits cytotoxicity in cultured bovine kidney cells, inhibiting RNA, DNA, and protein synthesis by nearly 50%^[3].

References:
[1]. Ramos A, et al. Parthenin, a sesquiterpene lactone of Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a high toxicity clastogen. Mutat Res. 2002;514(1-2):19-27.
[2]. Datta S, et al. Pesticidal properties of parthenin (from Parthenium hysterophorus) and related compounds. Pest Manag Sci. 2001;57(1):95-101.
[3]. Kaur A, et al. Parthenin-A Sesquiterpene Lactone with Multifaceted Biological Activities: Insights and Prospects. Molecules. 2021;26(17):5347. Published 2021 Sep 2.