Abstract
BackgroundMalaria is an old life-threatening parasitic disease that is still affecting many people, mainly children living in sub-Saharan Africa. Availability of effective antimalarial drugs played a significant role in the treatment and control of malaria. However, recent information on the emergence of P. falciparum parasites resistant to one of the artemisinin-based combination therapies suggests the need for discovery of new drug molecules. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of extracts, fractions and isolated compound from medicinal plants traditionally used in the treatment of malaria in Tanzania.MethodsDry powdered plant materials were extracted by cold macerations using different solvents. Norcaesalpin D was isolated by column chromatography from dichloromethane root extract of Caesalpinia bonducella and its structure was assigned based on the spectral data. Crude extracts, fractions and isolated compound were evaluated for antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum (3D7), chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum (Dd2, K1) and artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum (IPC 5202 Battambang, IPC 4912 Mondolkiri) strains using the parasite lactate dehydrogenase assay.ResultsThe results indicated that extracts of Erythrina schliebenii, Holarrhena pubescens, Dissotis melleri and C. bonducella exhibited antiplasmodial activity against Dd2 parasites. Ethanolic root extract of E. schliebenii had an IC50 of 1.87 μg/mL while methanolic and ethanolic root extracts of H. pubescens exhibited an IC50 = 2.05 μg/mL and IC50 = 2.43 μg/mL, respectively. Fractions from H. pubescens and C. bonducella roots were found to be highly active against K1, Dd2 and artemisinin-resistant parasites. Norcaesalpin D from C. bonducella root extract was active with IC50 of 0.98, 1.85 and 2.13 μg/mL against 3D7, Dd2 and IPC 4912-Mondolkiri parasites, respectively.ConclusionsAntiplasmodial activity of norcaesalpin D and extracts of E. schliebenii, H. pubescens, D. melleri and C. bonducella reported in this study requires further attention for the discovery of antimalarial lead compounds for future drug development.
Highlights
Malaria is an old life-threatening parasitic disease that is still affecting many people, mainly children living in sub-Saharan Africa
Collection and extraction of plant materials Previous studies indicate that decoctions of E. schliebenii roots and stem bark, H. pubescens roots, C. bonducella roots and leaves, and decoction of D. melleri aerial parts are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria [12,13,14]
The compound was identified as norcaesalpin D, previously isolated from the dichloromethane root extract of C. bonducella and its structure was confirmed by comparing with previously reported data [21]; no antiplasmodial activity was reported before
Summary
Malaria is an old life-threatening parasitic disease that is still affecting many people, mainly children living in sub-Saharan Africa. Use of insecticide-treated bed nets (INTs), indoor residual spraying (IRs), chemoprophylaxis in pregnant mothers and increased access to effective antimalarial drugs have significantly reduced morbidity and mortality, especially, in malaria endemic areas [4]. Increased access to the ACTs has contributed significantly to reducing both infections and malaria-related deaths, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where the transmission is high [8] Despite this positive outcome, a recent report from South East Asia revealed that P. falciparum parasites resistant to artemisinin have been identified in Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Viet Nam and Lao People’s Democratic Republic [9]. This paper reports the antiplasmodial activity of extracts, fractions and one compound from medicinal plants traditionally used for the treatment of malaria in Tanzania
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
