paraherquamide a

Paraherquamide A is a mycotoxin anthelmintic originally isolated from P. paraherquei. It binds to acetylcholine receptors (IC50 = 0.5 nM for head homogenates of M. domestica) and acts as an antagonist. Paraherquamide A is toxic to C. elegans (LD50 = 2.5 μg ml) and effective against T. colubriformis infection in gerbils when used at doses ranging from 0.39 to 200 mg kg. It is toxic to mice (LD50 = 14.9 mg kg).

Paraherquamide E is a fungal metabolite originally isolated from P. charlesii with anthelmintic and insecticidal activities. It is lethal to C. elegans (LD50 = 6 μg ml). Paraherquamide E is also lethal to O. fasciatus (LD50 = 0.089 μg nymph). Oral administration of paraherquamide E (0.5-4 mg kg) reduces T. colubriformis fecal egg count in gerbils.