Evaluation of antimalarial activity of leaves of Acokanthera schimperi and Croton macrostachyus against Plasmodium berghei in Swiss albino mice

Abstract

BackgroundMalaria is one of the most important tropical diseases and the greatest cause of hospitalization and death. Recurring problems of drug resistance are reinforcing the need for finding new antimalarial drugs. In this respect, natural plant products are the main sources of biologically active compounds and have potential for the development of novel antimalarial drugs. A study was conducted to evaluate extracts of the leaves of Croton macrostachyus and Acokanthera schimperi for their in vivo antimalarial activity.MethodsThe plants were selected based on their ethnomedicinal information. Acute and sub- acute toxicity studies of the crude extracts were carried out in Swiss albino mice. To assess the effect of extracts of the plants on the parasite, a 4-day suppressive standard test was performed using Plasmodium berghei (ANKA strain). Data were analyzed using paired t-test and ANOVA.ResultsIn acute toxicity study, the two plants extracts did not show any sign of toxicity up to 2000 mg/kg. In sub-acute toxicity study, both plants did not exhibit any hematological change and mortality throughout the observation period up to the highest dose of 1000 mg/kg given daily. Extracts of the leaves of both plants significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed parasitaemia in dose dependent manner at all dose levels.ConclusionsThe findings may support the traditional use of the plants to treat malaria. Further pharmacological, toxicological and phytochemical studies are, however, required to evaluate the potential of the plants towards the development of new antimalarial agent.

Effect of Crude Leaf Extract of Bauhinia strychnifolia in BALB/c Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei

“…The dose-dependent manner in chemo suppression could be attributed to the low dose of schizocidal compounds in natural products and as such their activity may be undetectable in lower doses. This increased percent suppression of parasitemia with increased dose was observed by other studies on different plant species [15][16][17][18]. Alkaloids, polyphenolic compounds, terpenoids, flavonoids and quercetin in this extract could be responsible for its antimalarial activity [19][20][21][22][23].…”

In vivo antiplasmodial activity and toxicological assessment of hydroethanolic crude extract of Ajuga remota

“…This observation indicates that the crude extracts may not contain appetite stimulant compounds [22]. Study on haematological parameters is important to discriminate the toxic effects of exogenous compounds on animals [23]. In this study, PCV, an index of anaemia, did not show significant difference on day 4 as compared to day 0 of either treated or untreated mice.…”

Ethnobotanical knowledge and practices of traditional healers in Harar, Haramaya, Bati and Garamuleta, Eastern Ethiopia

“…These include Croton macrostachyus Del for its antimalarial activity Tigist Mohammed et al (2014), Vernonia amygdalina Del for its antihelminthtic, antimalarial, antibacterial and laxative effects Ifeoma et al (2011), Punica granatum L. for its antihyperlipidemia, antiatherosclerosis, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory effect Julie, (2008), Zingiber officinale Roscoe for its antimalarial, antiviral, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic effect Samir and Amrit, (2003) and Allium sativum L, for its antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, immune boosting, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antifibrinolytic and antiplatelet aggregatory activity and cardiovascular protective effect (Santhosha et al, 2013). Generally, 81% of the medicinal plants were used for the treatment of human ailments whereas 19% for both, this might be due to the reason that people give more attention to human ailments than livestock diseases.…”