Introduction: The production of large amounts of reactive oxygen species in severe malarial infection is due to parasite invasion to erythrocytes. Malaria resistance to medication has left malaria-endemic countries with no alternate source of medications but traditional medicine. One of such plants utilized by traditional healers is Phyllanthus amarus. Therefore, this study aims at ascertaining the antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of P. amarus and its specific actions on retaining erythrocyte viability and antioxidant activity. Methods: Antiplasmodial and erythrocyte viability activities were determined in vitro via parasite suppression and tetrazolium-based colorimetric assays, respectively. Antioxidant capacity was determined by measuring extract’s ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation, scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide ions, reduce iron(III) ions, and chelate iron in vitro using documented methods. Results: Alkaloid extracts of P. amarus showed great antiplasmodial activity (IC50=0.52μg/mL) and low cytotoxic activity (CC50=54.95 μg/mL). Erythrocyte viability assay showed the minimal impact of the extract on the uninfected erythrocytes but improved viability of the infected RBC in a dose dependent manner, and antioxidant activity manifested mainly in its iron chelating activity (EC50=0.34 μg/mL). Conclusion: This study suggests that the alkaloid extract of P. amarus has significant antiplasmodial and antioxidant activities. These activities promoted the repair of parasite-induced free radical damage to the erythrocyte membrane but distorted the parasites redox balance and defense mechanism, and hence survival rate as indicated by the parasite suppression associated with alkaloid extract treatment of malarial infection.
Objectives: The Plasmodium parasite is known for its ability to destabilize the red cell membrane causing the release of free haem which is converted to haemozoin as haem is toxic to parasite. In combination with other factors, accumulation of haemozoin is associated with anaemia which manifest in severe malaria. Compounds directed at preventing erythrocyte attack and increasing haem concentrations could serve as new sources of antimalarials. Therefore, this study assessed the ability of Phyllanthus (P.) amarus alkaloid extract, a phytochemical, already reported to possess antimalarial activity, in reducing erythrocyte deformity and preventing parasite multiplication by increasing haem concentrations. Methods: The study involved measurement of parasite clearance, changes in haematological indices and degree of erythrocyte membrane stabilization (using heat-induced and hypotonic-solution induced destabilization assays) in Plasmodium (P.) berghei infected mice treated with alkaloid extract of P. amarus using documented methods. Results: Infection of experimental mice with Plasmodium berghei, induced malaria with evidence of anaemia (reduced PCV and Hb), reduction in haematological indices (RBC, WBC, platelets, lymphocytes, and eosinophil), increased serum haemozoin and haem concentration and destabilization of erythrocyte membrane.
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