Inhibition of Plasmodium berghei growth by alkaloid extract of Phyllanthus amarus in mice increased haem level and stabilized erythrocyte membrane

Abstract

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.

Nutriphytochemical Profiling and Changes in Cardiovascular Risk Index in Malarial Infected Mice Treated with Ethanol Root Extract of Phyllanthus Amarus

“…This could be as a result of the presence of abundant alkaloids in the extract, as alkaloids have been reported severally to possess significant antimalarial properties [25]. P. amarus antimalarial activity has been attributed to its efficiency in stabilizing erythrocyte membrane and inhibiting haem conversion to haemozoin [23]. We also confirmed the presence of high concentrations of glycoside, saponins, anthraquinones, phenols, trepenoid, flavonoids and steroids.…”

“…Different parts of the plant have been reported for specific properties, and one of these properties is the antimalarial activity. Antimalarial activity of this plant have been reported in both in vivo and in vitro systems [17,18,22,23]. This antimalarial activity can be attributed to the vast array of nutrients and active biochemical compounds present in the plant [15,23,24].…”

“…Antimalarial activity of this plant have been reported in both in vivo and in vitro systems [17,18,22,23]. This antimalarial activity can be attributed to the vast array of nutrients and active biochemical compounds present in the plant [15,23,24]. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the nutritional and phytochemical composition of the ethanol root extract of Phyllanthus amarus and its effects on plasma and liver lipid indices in Plasmodium berghei infected mice.…”