Parasite mitochondria as a target of chemotherapy: Inhibitory effect of licochalcone A on the Plasmodium falciparum respiratory chain

Parasites have exploited unique energy metabolic pathways as adaptations to the natural host habitat. In fact, the respiratory systems of parasites typically show greater diversity in electron transfer pathways than do those of host animals. These unique aspects of parasite mitochondria and related enzymes may represent promising targets for chemotherapy. Natural products have been recognized as a source of the candidates of the specific inhibitors for such parasite respiratory chains. Chalcones was recently evaluated for its antimalarial activity in vitro and in vivo. However, its target is still unclear in malaria parasites. In this study, we investigated that licochalcone A inhibited the bc₁ complex (ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase) as well as complex II (succinate ubiquinone reductase, SQR) of Plasmodium falciparum mitochondria. In particular, licochalcone A inhibits bc₁ complex activity at very low concentrations. Because the property of the P. falciparum bc₁ complex is different from that of the mammalian host, chalcones would be a promising candidate for a new antimalarial drug.