In Vivo Antiplasmodial Activity of Different Solvent Extracts of Myrianthus libericus Stem Bark and Its Constituents in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice

Abstract

The emergence and resurgence of P. falciparum resistance to generations of antimalarial drugs have prompted the search for new, effective, and safe antimalarial agents. This study aimed at investigating the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of the 70% hydroethanolic extract and constituents of the stem bark of Myrianthus libericus based on its ethnomedicinal use as an antimalarial agent. The antiplasmodial activity was assessed in Swiss albino mice employing the 4-day suppressive and Rane’s tests. MLB significantly (p<0.0001) suppressed parasitaemia by 52.26%, 65.40%, and 77.11% at 50, 100, and 200 mg·kg−1 doses, respectively, in the 4-day suppressive test. In Rane’s test, the highest parasitaemia suppression of 72.50% was recorded at a dose of 200 mg·kg−1 of the extract. Fractionation of the bioactive ethyl acetate fraction by solvent-solvent partitioning and column chromatography led to the isolation of friedelan-3-one and stigmasterol being reported for the first time from this species. The compounds demonstrated remarkable antiplasmodial activity by suppressing parasitaemia by 65–72% in the suppressive test and 61–70% in the curative test at doses of 10–30 mg·kg−1. Both the extract and the isolated compounds significantly prolonged the survival time of infected mice and averted the cardinal signs associated with P. berghei-induced malaria including weight loss, hypothermia, and haemolysis. The results obtained confirm the prospect of M. libericus as an important source of new antimalarial compounds and justifies its folkloric use as an antimalarial agent.

Antimalarial Efficacy of Hydromethanolic Root Extract and Solvent Fractions of Urtica simensis Hochst. ex. A. Rich. (Urticaceae): An Experimental Study on Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice

“…Furthermore, the parasite inhibition displayed by 80% methanol extracts is equivalent to that observed in previous experiments using methanolic soybean seed extract ( Glycine max ) [ 53 ], ethanolic leaf and twig extract of Faurea speciosa [ 54 ], 80% methanolic root extract of Echinops hoehnelii [ 55 ], hydroethanolic stem bark extract of Myrianthus libericus [ 40 ], and aqueous fraction of Schinus molle seeds [ 56 ]. Nevertheless, the chemosuppression demonstrated by aqueous extract is less than that observed in a study using an aqueous extract of Schinus molle seeds [ 56 ].…”

“…Over the course of 30 days (D0–D29), the average survival time (days) of mice was calculated arithmetically, as [ 40 ] …”

In vivo assessment of the antimalarial activity and acute oral toxicity of an ethanolic seed extract of Spondias pinnata (L.f.) Kurz

“…For many centuries, numerous investigators have attempted to explore new potential and safe antimalarial agents to overcome the mechanisms of parasite resistance [ 9 ]. Plants and herbs have been a main source of drugs that are being developed to offer a potential treatment option for several diseases [ 10 ].…”

Bioactive constituents with antibacterial, resistance modulation, anti-biofilm formation and efflux pump inhibition properties from Aidia genipiflora stem bark

“…Studies have shown that these plant metabolites may be of clinical significance in combatting resistant bacteria due to their highly diversified chemical structures and mechanisms of action [8,9]. The objective of this study was to investigate the crude extract, fractions and some constituents of the stem bark of Aidia genipiflora for antimicrobial, anti-biofilm formation, efflux pump inhibition and resistance modulation activities as part of a continuing effort to identify bioactive constituents of tropical medicinal plants [10,11].…”