Antimalarial efficacy of nine medicinal plants traditionally used by the Karens of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

M Punnam Chander,P Vijayachari,C R Pillai

doi:10.3329/bjp.v11i1.24055

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the antimalarial activity of nine medicinal plants used by Karens of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, against Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-sensitive MRC-2 isolate. The methanol extracts were obtained by cold percolation method and in vitro antimalarial activity was assessed using M-III method. The results indicated that out of nine plant species tested, four plants, viz., Z. spectabilis, S. wallichiana, C. pulcherrima and Amomum sp. demonstrated significant antimalarial activity (50% inhibitory concentration values were 5.5 ± 0.7, 12.0 ± 2.5, 14.6 ± 1.3 and 37.3 ± 2.5 μg/mL respectively) with no toxicity effect on erythrocytes.

Highlights

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India, has been historically known for high malaria transmission
Antimalarial activity of ethnomedicinal plant used by Karens of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The leaf extract of Z. spectabilis (IC50 5.5 ± 0.7 μg/mL) showed excellent antimalarial activity followed by extracts of S. wallichiana (IC50 12.0 ± 2.5 μg/mL), C. pulcherrima (IC50 14.6 ± 1.3 μg/mL) and Amomum sp. (IC50 37.3 ± 2.5 μg/mL)

Summary

Introduction

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India, has been historically known for high malaria transmission. The tropical climate prevailing throughout the year provides an ideal environment for mosquito proliferation and breeding in Nicobar group of islands (Manimunda et al, 2011). Karen derives from the word ‘Kavin’ as British called them, while they called themselves as Pwakanyaw, the quiet and easy going people, hailing from Henzada, Pathe and Nachaon areas of Pegu district in Western Myanmar (Oberai, 2000). They inhabit three villages depending on agriculture and fishing for livelihood. As a part of the ongoing studies documented their traditional treatment practices and collected plants which were reported to be efficacious in the treatment of traditional medicine system

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