Boyom FF, Kemgne EM, Tepongning R, Ngouana V, Mbacham WF, Tsamo E, Zollo PHA, Gut J, Rosenthal PJ. Antiplasmodial activity of extracts from seven medicinal plants used in malaria treatment in Cameroon.
J Ethnopharmacol 2009;
123:483-488. [PMID:
19442463 DOI:
10.1016/j.jep.2009.03.008]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2008] [Revised: 02/19/2009] [Accepted: 03/05/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
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 falciparumin vitro, with IC(50) values lower than 5 microg/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.
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