Antiplasmodial Activity Of Extracts Research Articles

Total Alkaloid content and In vitro Antiplasmodial activity of Grangea maderaspatana collected from Burkina Faso

Effective management of malaria remains a major concern for the scientific community mainly due to the resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to the common antimalarials. Many studies are conducted to identify plants that can fight against this disease. This work aimed to contribute to a better knowledge of antiplasmodial activity of different parts of Grangea maderaspatana (Asteracea). Thus, roots, flowers, leafy branches and whole plant of Grangea maderaspatana were extracted with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol. Alkaloid contents and antiplasmodial activity of extracts were respectively determined by bromocresol green method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on pLDH quantification. Total alkaloid contents ranged from 21.036 in methanolic extract of leafy branches to 1074.752µg qE/g in dichloromethane extract of whole plant. Extracts showed moderate to very active antiplasmodial effects. Antiplasmodial activity evaluated on chloroquino (CQ)-sensitive D10 and CQ-resistant Dd2 strains of Plasmodium falciparum showed that hexane and dichloromethane leafy branches extracts had a better activity. Alkaloid could be potentially responsible for antiplasmodial activity observed. None extract found to be toxic for cells at 50 and 100µg/ml. Dichloromethane extract of leafy branches could be a potential source of antiplasmodial molecules.

Ethanol Extracts from Selected Tanzanian Medicinal Plants Selectively Inhibit Plasmodium falciparum Growth In Vitro

This study aimed to assess the in vitro antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of ethanol extracts from the root barks, leaves and stem barks of seven medicinal plant species growing in Tanzania. The antiplasmodial activities of extracts against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and multidrug-resistant (Dd2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum were determined using a SYBR green I-based fluorescence assay, while the cytotoxicity of active extracts was determined against the human HepG2 cell line using a resazurin-based assay. Out of twenty-one extracts screened, two of them, namely, DFRE from Dracaena fragrans root bark (IC50Pf3D7 = 2.4 mg/mL) and EHSE from Erythrina haerdii stem bark (IC50Pf3D7 = 8.6 mg/mL and IC50PfDd2 = 7.6 mg/mL), exhibited good potencies against P. falciparum parasites. The two extracts emerged as the most promising and selective inhibitors (inhibited the growth of P. falciparum strains and were not toxic to the human HepG2 cell line) of chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and multidrug-resistant (Dd2) strains of P. falciparum. Eight other extracts showed moderate potencies with IC50 values ranging from 11–25 mg/mL against both plasmodial strains, while the remaining 11 extracts were mildly active with IC50 values ranging from 25.1 to 96.7 mg/mL. The results of the cytotoxicity test indicated that the median cytotoxic concentrations (CC50) of the tested extracts were all ≥ 224.8 mg/mL, leading to selectivity indices (SI) > 10-fold for most of the extracts. The findings described in this article support the traditional use of the investigated medicinal plants to treat malaria.
 Keywords: Antiplasmodial; Cytotoxicity; Ethanol extracts; Plasmodium falciparum

IN VIVO AND IN VITRO ANTIPLASMODIAL ACTIVITY OF EXTRACTS, FRACTIONS AND AN ISOLATED COMPOUND FROM SILK OF ZEA MAYS (CORN SILK)

This study has investigated antiplasmodial activity of extracts, fractions and an isolated compound from corn silk using both in vivo and in vitro assays. Also, safety studies were carried out on the extract. Pharmacologically, both aqueous and methanolic extracts demonstrated remarkable in vivo antiplasmodial activity of 78.9 ± 1.59 % and 77.3 ± 0.92 % reduction in parasitaemia respectively. The bioassay guided fractionation indicated that ethyl acetate fraction of the methanolic extract of corn silk exhibited highest antiplasmodial activity among the fractions investigated. Employing column chromatography and other chromatographic methods on the ethyl acetate fraction of the methanolic extract of corn silk led to isolation of norbergenin. Spectroscopic methods such as infrared, one-dimensional, two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance and others were used in characterization and identification of the compound. Antiplasmodial investigation of the compound using in vitro SYBR Green 1 fluorescent-based assay on the chloroquine-sensitive based plasmodial 3D7 strain showed that it possessed antiplasmodial activity of IC50 value of 15.31±2.10 μg/mL and could be linked to the bioactive compounds in ethyl acetate fraction. The results of this study have granted support to the local use of corn silk for the treatment of malaria. It is the first report of these pharmacological studies. It is also the first report of isolating norbergenin from corn silk.

In Vitro Antiplasmodial Activity of an Azadirachta indica Cell Culture Extract

Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem tree) is used in Nigeria and India to control malaria. Due to the difficulty to obtain secondary metabolites from this plant, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of extracts and fractions of A. indica cell culture on chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum (FCR3) strains. A. indica cell culture was carried on in stirred tank bioreactor. Biomass from this process was extracted with ethanol and subsequently fractionated with different solvents. Ethanolic extract and fractions obtained were tested in bioassays on chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum (FCR3) strains. Chloroquine was used as positive control. Finally, hexane fraction was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, to tentatively identify some compounds that might be involved in antiplasmodial activity. The extract showed promising activity with a half-maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 6.14 μg ml−1, which decreased with the time (IC50: 33.64 µg ml−1 for at > 18 months). Some extract fractions showed impressive activity against P. falciparum with IC50 values of 13.66 and 9.80 µg ml−1 for the hexane and dichloromethane fractions at > 18 months, which was higher than that of the crude extract during the same time frame. Also, 16 compounds were partially identified in hexane fraction. This is the first study reporting in vitro antiplasmodial activity of extracts of A. indica obtained by biotechnology way. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity of the A. indica cell culture ethanolic extract was demonstrated, and this extract could be a potential future alternative for treating and controlling malaria.

In vivo antiplasmodial activity of extracts of selected Ghanaian medicinal plants

In vivo antiplasmodial activity of extracts of selected Ghanaian medicinal plants

<i>In vitro</i> antiplasmodial activity of aqueous extracts of <i>Ochna schweinfurthiana</i> leaf on <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i>

The in vitro antiplasmodial activities of cold and hot aqueous extracts of Ochna schweinfurthiana leaf was evaluated against Plasmodium falciparum at concentrations 10, 20, 40 and 80 μg/ml. Parasitaemia was observed after 24, 48 and 72 hours under a light microscope at X100 magnification. The antiplasmodial activity of the extracts were compared with a standard Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT), artemether/lumefantrine. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids (65.97 mg/100g), alkaloids (0.20 mg/100g), saponins (47.39 mg/100g) and tannins (0.53 mg/100g). There was a significant reduction (P< 0.05) in parasitemia of groups treated with the various doses of the extracts when compared to the control group. The reduction in parasitemia was however not as pronounced as that observed for the standard drug-treated groups. The 10, 20, 40 1nd 80 μg/ml doses of the extracts gave a percentage parasite inhibition of 79.77, 81.86, 83.38 and 86.42 (cold extract) and 76.26, 78.54, 82.72 and 85.06 (hot extract) respectively which are lower than 99.71, 99.81, 100.00 and 100.00 respectively observed for the standard drug after 72 hours. However, in vitro assay of plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) activity did not show any significant difference among the extract-treated groups and those treated with artemether/lumefantrine standard. Findings from this study show that hot and cold aqueous extracts of Ochna schweinfurthiana leaf possess high inhibitory activity against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro especially after 72 hours and justifies it folkloric use as an antimalarial.Keywords: Antiplasmodial; Ochna schweinfurthiana; Extracts; Parasitemia; ACT

HSQC-TOCSY Fingerprinting for Prioritization of Polyketide- and Peptide-Producing Microbial Isolates.

Microbial products are a promising source for drug leads as a result of their unique structural diversity. However, reisolation of already known natural products significantly hampers the discovery process, and it is therefore important to incorporate effective microbial isolate selection and dereplication protocols early in microbial natural product studies. We have developed a systematic approach for prioritization of microbial isolates for natural product discovery based on heteronuclear single-quantum correlation-total correlation spectroscopy (HSQC-TOCSY) nuclear magnetic resonance profiles in combination with antiplasmodial activity of extracts. The HSQC-TOCSY experiments allowed for unfractionated microbial extracts containing polyketide and peptidic natural products to be rapidly identified. Here, we highlight how this approach was used to prioritize extracts derived from a library of 119 ascidian-associated actinomycetes that possess a higher potential to produce bioactive polyketides and peptides.

In vivo validation of anti-malarial activity of crude extracts of Terminalia macroptera, a Malian medicinal plant

BackgroundPlasmodium falciparum malaria is still one of the most deadly pathology worldwide. Efficient treatment is jeopardized by parasite resistance to artemisinin and its derivatives, and by poor access to treatment in endemic regions. Anti-malarial traditional remedies still offer new tracks for identifying promising antiplasmodial molecules, and a way to ensure that all people have access to care. The present study aims to validate the traditional use of Terminalia macroptera, a Malian plant used in traditional medicine.MethodsTerminalia macroptera was collected in Mali. Leaves (TML) and roots ethanolic extracts (TMR) were prepared and tested at 2000 mg/kg for in vivo acute toxicity in Albino Swiss mice. Antiplasmodial activity of the extracts was assessed against a chloroquine resistant strain P. falciparum (FcB1) in vitro. In vivo, anti-malarial efficacy was assessed by a 4-day suppressive test at 100 mg/kg in two malaria murine models of uncomplicated malaria (Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi infection) and cerebral malaria (Plasmodium berghei strain ANKA infection). Constituents of TMR were characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. Top ranked compounds were putatively identified using plant databases and in silico fragmentation pattern.ResultsLethal dose of TML and TMR were greater than 2000 mg/kg in Albino Swiss mice. According to the OECD’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification, both extracts are non-toxic orally. Antiplasmodial activity of T. macroptera extracts was confirmed in vitro against P. falciparum FcB1 strain with IC50 values of 1.2 and 1.6 µg/mL for TML and TMR, respectively. In vivo, oral administration of TML and TMR induced significant reduction of parasitaemia (37.2 and 46.4% respectively) in P. chabaudi chabaudi infected mice at the 7th day of infection compared to untreated mice. In the cerebral malaria experimental model, mice treated with TMR and TML presented respectively 50 and 66.7% survival rates at day 9 post-infection when all untreated mice died. Eleven major compounds were found in TMR. Among them, several molecules already known could be responsible for the antiplasmodial activity of the roots extract of T. macroptera.ConclusionsThis study confirms both safety and anti-malarial activity of T. macroptera, thus validating its traditional use.

Anti-plasmodial activity of Norcaesalpin D and extracts of four medicinal plants used traditionally for treatment of malaria

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.

In vivo antiplasmodial activity of extract and fractions of Trema orientalis in P. berghei-induced malaria in mice

In vivo antiplasmodial activity of extract and fractions of Trema orientalis in P. berghei-induced malaria in mice

Comparative antiplasmodial evaluation of Cymbopogon citratus extracts in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

Background: As malaria is still an important life-threatening infection in many tropical countries and drug resistance has become increasingly common to drugs used nowadays, there is a pressing need to find more drugs that may contribute to the reduction of malaria in the future. This calls for an inward look into harnessing the full potential of medicinal plants that abound around us. Objective: To evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of aqueous leaf and root extracts of Cymbopogon citratus against Plasmodium berghei in mice. Materials and Methods: Cymbopogon citratus extracts of 200, 400, 800 mg/kg, and 5 mg/kg of chloroquine were used. Antiplasmodial activity of the extracts was evaluated using 4-day suppressive test model. Results: The extracts exhibited significant (P Conclusion: The results of the study suggested that the aqueous root extract possesses a better antiplasmodial activity than the aqueous leaf extract.

Aspidosperma species (Apocynaceae) as sources of antimalarials: from the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of extracts to pre-clinical toxicological studies for the development of efficient and safe antimalarial phytomedicines

We report here our investigations on plants belonging to the botanical genus Aspidosperma (Apocynaceae) that are used to treat malaria and/or fevers in Brazil, aiming to prepare standardized alkaloid extracts for phytomedicines development. Ethanol and alkaloid extracts of A. parvifolium and A. subincanum barks were prepared and their in vitro antiplasmodial activity was evaluated against Plasmodium falciparum (W2 strain) by the pLDH method. Bioguided fractionation of the active alkaloid extracts was undertaken. A study on antiplasmodial activity versus alkaloids content variation from three A. subincanum specimens that were collected in different regions was carried on by HPLC-UV. Ethanol and alkaloid extracts from A. parvifolium and A. subincanum were evaluated in toxicological studies in male and female Swiss mice and male Wistar rats (n = 10); a control group was included in the experiments. At the end of treatment, animals were sacrificed, hematology and serum biochemical analyses were performed. Fractionation of alkaloid extracts from A. parvifolium and A. subincanum guided by in vitro assays against P. falciparum (W2 strain) led to the isolation of the indole alkaloids uleine (Oliveira et al., 2010) and N-demethyluleine. HPLC-UV and LC-UV-MS/ESI analyses of the extracts disclosed uleine as the major constituent, its content reaching 70.7% in the alkaloid extract from A. subincanum (ASALB) which was more potent than uleine and N-demethyluleine themselves in the in vitro assays, as can be inferred from the selectivity indexes in relation to HepG2 cells (SI = CC50/IC50) of ASALB (100), uleine (44) and N-demethyluleine (21). Moreover, a significative variation on the contents of these two alkaloids was observed for the same plant species when collected in different regions (Paula, 2014). Both ethanol and alkaloid extracts from A. parvifolium bark were relatively safe, producing minor changes in the parameters evaluated, especially in smaller doses, thus making feasible their future use in phase I clinical trials. On the other hand, high toxicity of both extracts from A. subincanum bark was observed in doses >200 mg/kg. The present results point to the necessity of rigorous investigation of traditional antimalarial plants including in vitro studies for identification of active natural products, standardization of extracts to be submitted to pre-clinical toxicological studies and controlled clinical trials. Our results disclose that efficient and safe phytomedicines might be developed from standardized crude or semi-purified extracts of Aspidosperma species containing the active chemical entities.

Antiplasmodial activity of extracts of 25 cyanobacterial species from coastal regions of Tamil Nadu

Context: Marine cyanobacteria offer considerable potential to isolate new antimalarials to meet a pressing need of our times.Objective: To explore the antiplasmodial properties of marine cyanobacteria.Materials and methods: Cyanobacterial samples collected from the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu were identified using light microscopy, and the strains were cultivated in ASN-III medium. Organic extracts (0–100 µg mL−1) of 25 in vitro mass-cultivated cyanobacteria, prepared using methanol: chloroform mixture (1:1 v/v) were evaluated for their antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine-sensitive and -resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum by fluorescence-based SYBR Green I assay where chloroquine was used as a control. To detect the toxic effects of cyanobacterial extracts against red blood cells, the invasion, maturation, and growth rate of malarial parasites in cyanobacterial extracts pre-treated versus untreated erythrocytes were quantified microscopically. Mammalian cell line (HeLa) was used to determine cyanobacterial extract toxicity using the MTT assay.Results: The extracts of Lyngbya aestuarii Liebm. ex Gomont CNP 1005 (C12) Oscillatoria boryana BDU 91451 (C22) and Oscillatoria boryana Bory ex Gomont BDU 141071 (C18) showed promising antiplasmodial activity (IC50 = 18, 18, and 51 μg mL−1 respectively) against Pf3D7. Pretreatment of red blood cells with IC100 of C12, C18, and C22 (40, 100, and 40 µgmL−1, respectively) did not significantly influence the invasion, maturation, and growth rate of malarial parasites in comparison with untreated RBC controls suggesting a lack of toxicity to host cells. MTT assay based IC50 (>200 μg mL−1) of these extracts against HeLa cell line also indicates their high selectivity against the malaria parasite.Discussion and conclusion: These exploratory studies suggest the possibilities of development of new antimalarial compounds from marine cyanobacteria.

Phythochemical screening, antioxydant and antiplasmodial activities of extracts from Trichilia roka and Sapium ellipticum

Antiplasmodial and antioxidant activities of extracts derived from Trichilia roka (Chiov) root bark and Sapium ellipticum (Hochst) Pax root bark were determined respectively in vivo by Peters et al. methods and by DPPH radical-scavenging and β-carotene-linoleate model systems. Of those extracts, the two methanolic extracts revealed a good antioxidant and the antiplasmodial activities. The T. roka methanolic extract was more effective than S. ellipticum extract concerning antiplasmodial activity and the S. ellipticum extract, the most promising one concerning antioxidant activity with IC50 42.18 μg/ml better than BHT value IC50 83.36 μg/ml taking as control. The high activities of these two plant extracts suggest that they are good source of natural antioxidant and may contain new compounds with lead structures for drug development against malaria.

In vitro antiplasmodial activities of extracts from five plants used singly and in combination against Plasmodium falciparum parasites

Fresh leaves of Citrus limon, Psidium guajava, Carica papaya, Cymbopogon citratus and Vernonia amygdalina were investigated. These plants are used singly and in combination in the traditional treatment of malaria in Nigeria. The dried leaves of plants were sequentially extracted with solvents of different polarities. We investigated the in vitro activities of selected extracts singly and when combined against the chloroquine sensitive and resistant strains of P. falciparum. Cytotoxic activities as well as the fractional inhibitory concentration of extracts were further evaluated. Most of the single extracts showed equipotent activity against both strains of the parasite. However, it was apparent that there were slight increases in parasite survival in the resistant strain as compared to the sensitive strain. Interestingly, when the extracts were investigated in combination, we observed that the potency of most of the extracts was enhanced. In this study, C. papaya extract was demonstrated to enhance the activities of component extracts in the combination. The dominant effect of C. papaya activity could be traceable to its high selectivity index for the sensitive and the resistant strain of the parasites. We envisage that the escalating challenge posed by parasite resistance, to existing antimalarials could be averted by combination treatments. Key words: Citrus limon, Psidium guajava, Citrus papaya, Citrus citratus, Vernonia amygdalina, in vitro, antimalarial, combination.

Evaluation of in vivo Antiplasmodial Activities of extracts of Morinda morindiodes (Bak.) in the treatment of malaria in Ogun State

In vivo study of various plant parts extracts of Morinda morindiodes (Bak.) was conducted to evaluate their antiplasmodial properties and effects on the liver using chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei in mice. Water extract of the root was observed to significantly reduce parasitaemia (70%, P 0.05) compared with those treated once daily. The chemosuppression produced by the extracts were significantly different compared to untreated control. Liver function tests (LFT) of uninfected mice administered with the plant extracts showed that extracts of the leaf and stem in ‘fermented maize starch extract’ altered the function of the liver significantly compared to normal mice. This study shows that Morinda morindiodes possess antimalarial properties and the root may be used as a prophylaxis where western medicine is not easily accessible and affordable. Tables 1, 2, 3, 4

Antiplasmodial activity of extracts from seven medicinal plants used in malaria treatment in Cameroon

Aim of the study In a search for new plant-derived biologically active compounds against malaria parasites, we have carried out an ethnopharmacological study to evaluate the susceptibility of cultured Plasmodium falciparum to extracts and fractions from seven Cameroonian medicinal plants used in malaria treatment. We have also explored the inhibition of the Plasmodium falciparum cysteine protease Falcipain-2. Materials and methods Plant materials were extracted by maceration in organic solvents, and subsequently partitioned or fractionated to afford test fractions. The susceptibility of erythrocytes and the W2 strain of Plasmodium falciparum to plant extracts was evaluated in culture. In addition, the ability of annonaceous extracts to inhibit recombinant cysteine protease Falcipain-2 was also assessed. Results and discussion The extracts showed no toxicity against erythrocytes. The majority of plant extracts were highly active against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro, with IC 50 values lower than 5 μg/ml. Annonaceous extracts (acetogenin-rich fractions and interface precipitates) exhibited the highest potency. Some of these extracts exhibited modest inhibition of Falcipain-2. Conclusion These results support continued investigation of components of traditional medicines as potential new antimalarial agents.

In vitro antiplasmodial activity of plants used in Benin in traditional medicine to treat malaria

Aim of the study The aim of the study was to evaluate the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of crude extracts of 12 plant species traditionally used in Benin for the treatment of malaria in order to validate their use. Materials and methods For each species, dichloromethane, methanol and total aqueous extracts were tested. The antiplasmodial activity of extracts was evaluated using the measurement of the plasmodial lactate dehydrogenase activity on chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and resistant (W2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The selectivity of the different extracts was evaluated using the MTT test on J774 macrophage-like murine cells and WI38 human normal fibroblasts. Results The best growth inhibition of both strains of Plasmodium falciparum was observed with the dichloromethane extracts of Acanthospermum hispidum DC. (Asteraceae) (IC 50 = 7.5 μg/ml on 3D7 and 4.8 μg/ml on W2), Keetia leucantha (K. Krause) Bridson (syn. Plectronia leucantha Krause) (Rubiaceae) leaves and twigs (IC 50 = 13.8 and 11.3 μg/ml on 3D7 and IC 50 = 26.5 and 15.8 μg/ml on W2, respectively), Carpolobia lutea G.Don. (Polygalaceae) (IC 50 = 19.4 μg/ml on 3D7 and 8.1 μg/ml on W2) and Strychnos spinosa Lam. (Loganiaceae) leaves (IC 50 = 15.6 μg/ml on 3D7 and 8.9 μg/ml on W2). All these extracts had a low cytotoxicity. Conclusion Our study gives some justifications for the traditional uses of some investigated plants.

Anti-plasmodial activity of extracts of five species of Icelandic liverworts

Anti-plasmodial activity of extracts of five species of Icelandic liverworts

In vitro antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of 33 West African plants used for treatment of malaria

Thirty-three plants commonly used in West tropical Africa by traditional healers for the treatment of malaria were collected and ethanolic extracts were obtained by decoction. The antiplasmodial activity of extracts was evaluated in vitro against the chloroquine-resistant FcB1 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Cytotoxicity was determined on the human MRC-5 and the rat L-6 cell lines. Of the 33 plant extracts, eight (24.5%) showed significant antimalarial activity (IC 50 values ranging from 2.3 to 13.7 μg/ml), 14 (42.5%) weak activity (IC 50 values ranging from 15 to 50 μg/ml) and 11 (33%) appeared inactive (IC 50 values >50 μg/ml). Five plants were of particular interest, associating good antiplasmodial activity and weak cytotoxicity. These five included Nauclea latifolia with known antiplasmodial activity and four, Fagara macrophylla, Funtumia elastica, Phyllanthus muellerianus and Rauvolfia vomitoria, for which the description of antiplasmodial activity is entirely novel.