Antimalarial Medicinal Plants Research Articles

Sosialisasi Tumbuhan Nelambo Suon (Rubiaceae) Sebagai Pencegah Penyakit Malaria Berdasarkan Kearifan lokal Pada Masyarakat Distrik Walma dan Heriapini, Yahukimo

Nelambo Suon (Rubiaceae) is one of the traditional antimalarial medicinal plants used by people in Walma and Heriapini Districts, Yahukimo. This plant lives on cliffs and grows wild in home yards to tropical rainforests. The purpose of this activity is to provide education to the community about how to use the Nelambo Suon plant as a prevention of malaria. The activity was carried out in Perumnas 4 Waena, Jayapura City to people from Walma and Heriapini districts who were studying further. The method of this activity is Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and training in making medicinal herbs to prevent and treat malaria. Activities were carried out in August-October 2022, which were carried out well and smoothly. The results of the activity showed that there was an increase in understanding in the utilization of Nelambo Suon plants up to an average of 78.57% (74.44% to 94.74%). This increase is expected to be able to maintain the understanding and motivation of the community to continue to pay attention and utilize the Nelambo Suon plant as a traditional medicine to prevent and cure malaria.

Efficacy of Albizia malacophylla (A.Rich.) Walp. (Leguminosae) methanol (80%) leaf extract and solvent fractions against Plasmodium berghei-induced malaria in mice model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNovel drugs are needed to address the issue of malarial infection resistance; natural items can be a different source of these medications. Albizia malacophylla (A. Rich.) Walp. (Leguminosae) is listed as one of the antimalarial medicinal plants in Ethiopian folk medicine. However, there are no reports regarding the biological activity or phytochemistry of the plant. Aim of the studyThus, this study aimed to evaluate the A. malacophylla crude extract and solvent fractions' in vivo antimalarial activity utilizing 4-day suppressive, preventative, and curative tests in mice infected with P. berghei. Materials and methodsThe parasite Plasmodium berghei, which causes rodent malaria, was used to infect healthy male Swiss Albino mice, weighing 23–28 g and aged 6–8 weeks. Solvent fractions such as methanol, water, and chloroform were given in addition to an 80% methanolic extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses. A Conventional test such as parasitemia, survival time, body weight, temperature, and packed cell capacity were employed to ascertain factors such as the suppressive, curative, and preventive tests. ResultsEvery test substance dramatically reduced the number of parasites in every experiment. Crude extract (with the highest percentage suppression of 67.78%) performs better antimalarial effect than the methanol fraction, which is the most efficient solvent fraction with a percentage suppression of 55.74%. With a suppression value of 64.83% parasitemia level, the therapeutic effects of 80% methanolic crude extract were greater than its curative and preventative effects in a four-day suppressive test. The survival period (17 days) was longer with the hydroalcoholic crude extract dose of 400 mg/kg than with other doses of the materials under investigation. ConclusionsThe results of this investigation validate the antimalarial characteristics of A. malacophylla leaf extract. The crude extract prevented weight loss, a decline in temperature, and a reduction in PCV. The results demonstrate that the plant has a promising antimalarial effect against P. berghei, hence supporting the traditional use of the plant. Therefore, it could serve as a foundation for the development of new antimalarial drugs.

Mechanisms of antimalarial activity and drug resistance : Indian antimalarial medicinal plants

Mechanisms of antimalarial activity and drug resistance : Indian antimalarial medicinal plants

Potential of medicinal plants as antimalarial agents: a review of work done at Kenya Medical Research Institute.

Background: Medicinal plants have traditionally been used as remedies against malaria. The present review attempted to compile data on scientific research evidence on antimalarial medicinal plants screened at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Traditional Medicine and Drug (CTMDR) Research from January 2003 to December 2021. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using a predefined protocol based on PRISMA. Search was performed in Google Scholar and PubMed. One hundred and eight journal articles were identified 37 of which published on antimalarial/antiplasmodial work. Thirty journal articles with at least one author from KEMRI-CTMDR and accessible in full were selected for analysis. Relevant data was captured in MS Excel format and descriptive statistics, percentages and tables used to summarize the findings. Results: Assessment of individual plant species was considered as an independent study resulting in 1170 antiplasmodial/antimalarial tests done from 197 plant species. One hundred and fifty plant species were screened in vitro, one in vivo and 46 were both in vivo and in vitro. Three hundred and forty-four of tests reported good activity (IC50 < 10μg/mL or parasite suppression rate of ≥50%), 414 moderate activity (IC50 values of 10-49μg/mL or parasite suppression rate of 30%-49%) and 412 were reports of inactivity (IC50 ˃ 50μg/mL or parasite suppression rate of <30%). Fuerstia africana and Ludwigia erecta were reported to have the highest activities, with IC50 < 1μg/mL against Plasmodium falciparum D6 strain and chemosuppression in mice at an oral dose of 100mg/kg, was reported as 61.9% and 65.3% respectively. Fifty five antimalarial/antiplasmodial active compounds isolated from eight plant species were reported with resinone (39) having the best activity (IC50 < 1μg/mL). Conclusion: Though 344 of tests reported promising antimalarial activity, it was noted that there was limited evaluation of these plants in animal models, with only 9.0% (105/1170) studies and no clinical trials. This highlights an important research gap emphasizing the need for drug development studies that aim to progress study findings from preclinical to clinical studies. There is still need for extensive research on promising plant species aimed at developing new plant based antimalarial drugs.

Formulation of anti-malaria capsules based on the fruit of Picralima nitida (Stapf) T. Durand and H. Durand (Apocynaceae

Malaria is a parasitic disease that is widely spread throughout the world. The annual number of cases is estimated at around 500 million; the African continent is the most affected, accounting for 95% of cases. For the treatment, WHO recommends artemisinin-based combinations; unfortunately, the cost of these combinations is relatively high, making them difficult to afford. This justifies the search for new antimalarial drugs. A large number of plant species in Cameroon have been identified as anti-malarial medicinal plants. Picralima nitida is one of the plants traditionally used to treat malaria in traditional medicine, and its in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity and toxicological profile have already been scientifically demonstrated. The aim of the present study was to formulate capsules based on the aqueous extract of Picralima nitida fruit, in an attempt to rationalize its use in the treatment of malaria. The aqueous extract of Picralima nitida fruit was prepared by maceration and then stabilized; its physicochemical characteristics were determined. The daily quantity of extract required for the treatment of malaria was determined in milligrams of total alkaloids. Finally, the extract was stabilized before being filled into capsules using European pharmacopoeia techniques. The capsules were also tested according to European Pharmacopoeia 11th edition techniques. The extract was obtained in 6.25% yield. The extract was soft, hygroscopic, brown in color, very bitter in flavor and caramel in odor. The following phytochemical groups were present in the extract: alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoid tannins, anthocyanins, saponins, terpenes, sterols. Total alkaloid content was 0.11g per gram of extract. To stabilize the extract and make it suitable for capsule filling, 25% colloidal silica and 13% microcrystalline cellulose were added. The stabilized extract showed good flowability (flow time 6s, Carr index 11.8% and Hausner index 1.13), a moderately fine powder texture (d50 &lt; 300um) and homogeneous distribution. The daily dose determined for a 60 kg adult was 3900mg of extract, corresponding to 313 mg of total alkaloids, which could be divided into 8 N°0 or 12 N°00 capsules. On inspection, the capsules were found to comply with the requirements of the 11th edition of the European Pharmacopoeia. The characteristics of the formulated capsules are favorable to make them a good candidate for the various phases of clinical trials with a view to making them an improved traditional medicine (ITM)

Inventory of Medicinal Plants The Treatment and Prevention of Malaria in The East Sentani District, Jayapura Regency

Traditional medicine is still widely used as an alternative medication in society especially in the form of plant material. Malaria is one of a communicable disease with the high number of its incidence in Papua. Traditional plants commonly used by people in Jayapura Regency for malaria treatment are papaya, Carica papaya L. (C. papaya), sambiloto, Andrographis paniculata, (A. paniculata) leaves, milk wood and turmeric. Each was prepared with different processing method including boiled, mashed and grated. However, the literature on the description of malaria treatment using traditional medicine is very limited. This research was carried out with the aim of carrying out an inventory of medicinal plants for the treatment and prevention of malaria in the East Sentani area, Jayapura Regency. This research was a descriptive study performed in 7 villages of East Sentani Timur District, with total sample were 210 respondent data. Respondent was given a questionary to collect data of plants used as prevention and medication for malaria. The results revealed the plants used by the community in East Sentani District in treating and preventing malaria were mostly C. papaya leaves (47.1%), A. paniculata leaves (44.3%) and other plants (under 5%) such as bitter melon (3.3%), and African leaves (1.9%). The plant parts used for the treatment and prevention of malaria were mainly the leaves (98.5%). The method of processing plants was mostly by boiling the plant (88.1%), brewing with hot water (4.8%) and squeezing (4.3%). The way to use of plants for the treatment of malaria was by drinking (97.6%). The dose used by most respondents was mostly by 1 cup (62.9%). The sources of antimalarial medicinal plants from the yard of the house were 108 respondents (51.4%). From this research, plants which widely used in the treatment and prevention of malaria by the people of the East Sentani district were C. papaya and A. paniculata.

Assessment of antimalarial medicinal plants used in Nigerian ethnomedicine reveals antimalarial potential of Cucurbita pepo leaf extract

Medicinal plants are often used to treat malaria in different parts of Nigeria and exploiting these can unravel new therapeutic leads. This study evaluated the antiplasmodial potential of selected plants used to treat malaria in Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria. Leaves of three different plants (Cucurbita pepo, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Pennisetum purpureum) were collected for screening and two extracts viz., 70%v/v ethanol and dichloromethane/methanol (1:1 v/v), were prepared for each. An acute toxicity test was done in mice and cytotoxicity was assessed using human hepatoma cell line (HUH). The extracts were screened against chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum (Pf3D7) in vitro, and chloroquine-resistant P. berghei ANKA in vivo using a 4 day-suppressive test in mice. Cucurbita pepo ethanol extract was further tested for hemolytic effect on human erythrocytes and in established infection in mice. Parameters assessed were post-treatment parasitemia, hematological indices, organ (brain, kidney, liver, and spleen) weights, and survival. The extracts were non-cytotoxic up to a test dose of 100 μg/ml and 2000 mg/kg fed - mice did not show acute or delayed toxicity. Cucurbita pepo ethanol extract (CpE) displayed excellent in vitro antiplasmodial activity with IC50 of 3.05 μg/ml. At an oral dose of 500 mg/kg, mice were observed to display significant (p < 0.01) ∼51% suppression of parasitemia. The extract did not produce any significant hemolytic effect up to a test concentration of 1 mg/ml. In established infection, a dose of 300 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.01) protected mice from anemia caused by low hematocrit. The extract produced significant (p < 0.05) elevation in red blood cells and platelet counts, and an increase in hemoglobin was evident at 100 and 300 mg/kg. Further, CpE in a dose-dependent manner, reversed liver and spleen weight increase seen in untreated, infected mice. These findings show C. pepo as a potential candidate for further studies to identify its bioactive principle(s) and possible mechanism(s) of antimalarial action.

A systematic review of antimalarial medicinal plants in Democratic Republic of the Congo

In Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria is one of the country's major public health issues and responsible for the death of tens of thousands of people every year in both rural and urban environments. Antimalarial drugs are commonly used but some recorded cases of drug resistance are a major obstacle to controlling the spread of malaria. It is therefore essential to identify new bioactive molecules as an alternative. Many medicinal plants with different properties have been used as treatments for a variety of diseases in the DRC, including malaria. This study provides a systematic review of antimalarial plant resources in the DRC. From 28 papers on ethnomedicine published between 2001 and 2019, a total of 232 plant species belonging to 67 different plant families and identified in 13 provinces was reported in the treatment of malaria. A large number of these plant species belong to the Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae, and Apocyanaceae families. Species cited in more than three provinces include Cymbopogon citratus, Vernonia amygdalina, Rauvolfia vomitoria and Catharanthus roseus. Most of the species identified as antimalarial plants were tree species, with phanerophytes predominating. In addition, leaves were identified as the main ingredients for preparing remedies, most commonly by decoction administered orally.

Antiplasmodial and Cytotoxic Activities of Extracts of Selected Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Malaria in Embu County, Kenya

Malaria is a deadly disease caused by a protozoan parasite whose mode of transmission is through a female Anopheles mosquito. It affects persons of all ages; however, pregnant mothers, young children, and the elderly suffer the most due to their dwindled immune state. The currently prescribed antimalarial drugs have been associated with adverse side effects ranging from intolerance to toxicity. Furthermore, the costs associated with conventional approach of managing malaria are arguably high especially for persons living in low-income countries, hence the need for alternative and complementary approaches. Medicinal plants offer a viable alternative because of their few associated side effects, are arguably cheaper, and are easily accessible. Based on the fact that studies involving antimalarial medicinal plants as potential sources of efficacious and cost-effective pharmacotherapies are far between, this research was designed to investigate antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of organic and aqueous extracts of selected plants used by Embu traditional medicine practitioners to treat malaria. The studied plants included Erythrina abyssinica (stem bark), Schkuhria pinnata (whole plant), Sterculia africana (stem bark), Terminalia brownii (leaves), Zanthoxylum chalybeum (leaves), Leonotis mollissima (leaves), Carissa edulis (leaves), Tithonia diversifolia (leaves and flowers), and Senna didymobotrya (leaves and pods). In vitro antiplasmodial activity studies of organic and water extracts were carried out against chloroquine-sensitive (D6) and chloroquine-resistance (W2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. In vivo antiplasmodial studies were done by Peter's four-day suppression test to test for their in vivo antimalarial activity against P. berghei. Finally, cytotoxic effects and safety of the studied plant extracts were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) rapid calorimetric assay technique. The water and methanolic extracts of T. brownii and S. africana and dichloromethane extracts of E. abyssinica, S. pinnata, and T. diversifolia leaves revealed high in vitro antiplasmodial activities (IC50 ≤ 10 μg/ml). Further, moderate in vivo antimalarial activities were observed for water and methanolic extracts of L. mollissima and S. africana and for dichloromethane extracts of E. abyssinica and T. diversifolia leaves. In this study, aqueous extracts of T. brownii and S. africana demonstrated high antiplasmodial activity and high selectivity indices values (SI ≥ 10) and were found to be safe. It was concluded that T. brownii and S. africana aqueous extracts were potent antiplasmodial agents. Further focused studies geared towards isolation of active constituents and determination of in vivo toxicities to ascertain their safety are warranted.

Natural Products as Sources of Antimalarial Drugs: Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Studies.

Materials and Methods For this study, relevant information was procured from the inhabitants via a structured questionnaire to procure the general knowledge of antimalarial medicinal plants. Results and Discussion. A total of 90 interviewees (44 men and 46 women) were involved in this survey. A total of 59 medicinal species were identified, which were dispersed in 33 families (Asteraceae (6), Apocynaceae (5), Anacardiaceae, Annonaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Meliaceae, Poaceae, and Rubiaceae (3 each), Phyllanthaceae (2)) totaling 49% of the cited species. The most cited plants are Azadirachta indica (42), Mangifera indica (38), Carica papaya (28), Cymbopogon citratus (27), Cassia fistula (15), Morinda lucida (14), Anacardium occidentale and Vernonia amygdalina (13 each), Helianthus annuus (11), Enantia chlorantha (10), and Moringa oleifera (9) A total of 105 citations were recorded for the plant parts used (leaf (46), bark (17), fruits (9), root (9), latex (11), stem (11), and inflorescence (2)) while decoction (59%), maceration (25%), infusion (9%), and exudation (7%) were the methods of preparation. Use Values (UVs) of 0.47 to 0.11 were recorded for the frequently used antimalarial plants. The Efficiency Levels (ELs) of 11 different medicinal plants stated by the respondents were Azadirachta indica, Cassia fistula and Morinda lucida (12), Chromolaena odorata (10), Mangifera indica, Enantia chlorantha and Helianthus annuus (8), Cymbopogon citratus (7), Gossypium arboretum (4), Landolphia dulcis (3), and Aloe vera (2) Cocos nucifera, Curcuma longa, Forkia biglobosa, and Musa acuminate are mentioned for the first time in the study area with little or no reported antiplasmodial activities. Conclusion The study appraised the commonly used antimalarial plants in the study areas. Therefore, commitment to scientifically explore the bioactive compounds, antimalarial potential and toxicological profile of these plants is inevitable as they could lead to novel natural products for effective malaria therapy.

Availability Evaluation of Twelve Antimalarial Medicinal Plants from Western Regions of Burkina Faso

Major research contributions in ethnopharmacology have generated vast amount of data associated with medicinal plants in Burkina Faso. Despite the relatively abundant literature on local medicinal plants supported by an institutional environment in favor of promoting traditional medicine, any national pharmacopoeia document or monographs on antimalarial medicinal plants aren't currently available. The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and perception of traditional healers on the effectiveness and availability of 12 antimalarial plants from Burkina Faso. The survey was carried out on 12 antimalarial plants from western region during January-March 2013. The informants were 100 traditional healers and herbalist from the Western region, which gathered in association affiliated to General Directorate of Pharmacy, Medicines and Laboratories. A semi-structured and open questionnaire and herbarium were used for plant identification. The data showed that <i>Securidaca longepedunculata</i> (66%) and <i>Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides</i> (64%) was the lowest available followed by <i>Pavetta crassipes</i> (57%), <i>Argemone mexicana</i> (48%) and <i>Cochlospermum planchonii</i> (44%). The root uses of <i>C. planchonii</i> (51%), <i>S. longepedunculata</i> (24%) and <i>Z. zanthoxyloides</i> (11%) were probably their threat. <i>S. longepedunculata, Z. zanthoxyloides</i> and <i>P. crassipe</i>s are really in endangered due to their large medicinal uses particularly in malaria treatment. It need a new policy management and integrated breeding for these plants.

Announcing a New Editor, African Journal of Reproductive Health

To increase the functionality and impact of the African Journal of Reproductive Health (AJRH), a few organizational changes recently took place in the management of the journal. Professor Friday Okonofua, the founding editor, has now moved to the position of Editor-In-Chief, while a new editor has been appointed for the journal. The editor is Dr. Akhere Omonkhua, an associate professor of Medical Biochemistry at the University of Benin in Nigeria. Dr. Omonkhua is a renowned biochemist with deep interest in seeking to understand the scientific basis for the use of traditional medicinal plants in the treatment of diseases in Africa, including those that relate to the reproductive system. She is a strong advocate for women‘s health, gender equality, and social equity for women. She has demonstrated through the many positions she has held that she is deeply committed to women‘s empowerment and the effective participatory roles for women in high-level governance. Dr. Omonkhua obtained a Bachelors‘ degree, with a Second Class Upper Division in 1998 and a Masters‘ Degree in 2002 (with the class prize) in Biochemistry from the University of Benin. She was awarded a PhD in Toxicology from the same University in 2010. Her PhD Thesis titled Toxicological and anti-diabetic evaluation of some local medicinal plants was nominated for the National Universities Commission of Nigeria Doctoral Award by the University of Benin in 2012. Dr. Omonkhua started her career as an Assistant Lecturer at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko and South-west Nigeria in 2003. She transferred her services to the University of Benin as Senior Lecturer in 2012; and was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor in October, 2015. Akhere is an avid researcher, with major focus on determining the efficacy and safety of anti-diabetic and antimalarial medicinal plants, as well as elucidating the phytochemicals and mechanism(s) of action of these plants. She has over 30 local, national and international journal publications. She has presented papers in several local and international conferences. Akhere is a member of the editorial board of Biokemistri, and is the Editor, Section on Biological Sciences of the Annals of Science and Technology. She is also an active member of the Nigerian Young Academy which is affiliated to the Nigerian Academy of Science. The AJRH is very proud of this new recruitment as we are convinced that Dr. Akhere Omonkhua will bring her deep passion and considerable commitment to work and take the journal to higher levels of achievement. We congratulate her very warmly and wish her good luck in the new assignment.

Testing an Ethnobiological Evolutionary Hypothesis on Plant-Based Remedies to Treat Malaria in Africa

The malaria hypothesis, which addresses a strong selective pressure on human genes resulting from a chain of processes that originated with the practice of agriculture, is an example of an evolutionary consequence of niche construction. This scenario has led us to formulate the following questions: Are the genetic adaptations of populations with a history of contact with malaria reflected in the local medical systems? Likewise, could environmental changes (deforestation) and the incidence of malaria result in an adaptive response in these local health care systems? We collected secondary data for the entire African continent from different databases and secondary sources and measured the response of health care systems as the variation in the richness of antimalarial medicinal plants. Our results did not indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between the tested variables and the medical systems, but a subsequent analysis of variance showed an increase in the mean of medicinal plants in regions with a higher incidence of malaria prior to disease control measures. We suggest that this response had a greater impact on local medical knowledge than other variables, such as genetic frequency and deforestation.

Survey of Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Malaria by Sidama People of Boricha District, Sidama Zone, South Region of Ethiopia.

In Ethiopia, malaria control has been complicated due to resistance of the parasite to the current drugs. Thus, new drugs are required against drug-resistant Plasmodium strains. Historically, many of the present antimalarial drugs were discovered from plants. This study was, therefore, conducted to document antimalarial plants utilized by Sidama people of Boricha District, Sidama Zone, South Region of Ethiopia. An ethnobotanical survey was carried out from September 2011 to February 2012. Data were collected through semistructured interview and field and market observations. Relative frequency of citation (RFC) was calculated and preference ranking exercises were conducted to estimate the importance of the reported medicinal plants in Boricha District. A total of 42 antimalarial plants belonging to 27 families were recorded in the study area. Leaf was the dominant plant part (59.0%) used in the preparation of remedies and oral (97.4%) was the major route of administration. Ajuga integrifolia scored the highest RFC value (0.80). The results of this study revealed the existence of rich knowledge on the use of medicinal plants in the study area to treat malaria. Thus, an attempt should be made to conserve and evaluate the claimed antimalarial medicinal plants with priority given to those that scored the highest RFC values.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Anti-Malarial Medicinal Plants Amongst the Tiv People of Nigeria

ABSTRACT An ethnobotanical survey of herbal medicines used for the treatment of malaria fever amongst the Tiv tribe of Central Nigeria was done using a questionnaire and oral interviews of practicing herbalists and patrons. Results indicated that 24 plant species belonging to seventeen families were featured in popular antimalarial recipes. Investigations on the plant part(s) used and the mode of preparation and administration indicated that irrespective of plant and part(s) or combinations used, water was the main medium for all medicinal preparations. Treatment regimes generally included drinking the aqueous preparations for five to ten days or until symptoms disappear. Although the anti-malarial efficacy of the recipes described by the respondents is not known with certainty, this survey adds to the efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the search for natural antimalarials and provides a basis for future research on these plants.

In vitro antiplasmodial activity of antimalarial medicinal plants used in Vietnamese traditional medicine

Among 42 extracts, prepared from 14 medicinal plants used in Vietnamese traditional medicine to treat malaria, 24 were found to have antiplasmodial activity by inhibiting the growth of the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain FCR-3 with EC 50 values less than 10 μg/ml. Each medicinal plant possessed at least one active extract. The methanol extract of Coscinium fenestratum had the strongest antiplasmodial activity with EC 50 value of 0.5 μg/ml. Activity-guided fractionation led to identification of berberine as the major active constituent.