Work

Mangiferin inhibits multiple stages of the Toxoplasma gondii lytic cycle in vitro and protects against acute RH strain infection in vivo

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Toxoplasmosis remains an important global health concern, highlighting the need for novel agents anti- Toxoplasma gondii ( T. gondii ). Mangiferin, derived from Mangifera indica , has demonstrated diverse pharmacological and antiprotozoal activities, but its effects against T. gondii remain unclear. Methods We evaluated the anti- T. gondii activity of mangiferin in vitro and in vivo . Cytotoxicity toward human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells was assessed, followed by evaluation of parasite plaque formation and extracellular tachyzoite morphology. Its protective effects were further investigated in a murine model of acute RH strain infection, and its effects on parasite adhesion, invasion, and intracellular proliferation were examined. Results Mangiferin showed low cytotoxicity toward HFF cells, with cell viability remaining above 90% at concentrations up to 320 μM. Mangiferin markedly inhibited parasite plaque formation and induced rapid morphological changes in extracellular tachyzoites. In a murine model of acute RH strain infection, mangiferin prolonged survival, alleviated splenic pathological damage, and reduced the relative parasite burden in the blood, spleen, and brain. Stage specific analyses further demonstrated that mangiferin inhibited parasite adhesion, invasion, and intracellular proliferation. Conclusion Mangiferin exhibits anti- T. gondii activity both in vitro and in vivo and affects multiple processes within the T. gondii lytic cycle. These findings provide initial experimental evidence supporting further investigation of mangiferin as a potential natural compound for the development of novel strategies against toxoplasmosis.

Source: Frontiers in Microbiology

DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2026.1983878