Prophylactic and curative activities of extracts from Warburgia ugandensis Sprague (Canellaceae) and Zanthoxylum usambarense (Engl.) Kokwaro (Rutaceae) against Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium berghei.
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Date
2010
Authors
Gicheru, M. M.
Were, P. S.
Kinyanjui, P.
Mwangi, E.
Ozwara, H. S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier Ireland Ltd
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
This work reports the anti-plasmodial activities of Warburgia ugandensis and Zanthoxylum usambarense commonly used as phytomedicines against malaria by some Kenyan communities.
AIM OF STUDY:
To determine the anti-plasmodial activities of extracts from Warburgia ugandensis and Zanthoxylum usambarense against Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium berghei.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Eight plant extracts were screened for in vitro anti-plasmodial activity against Plasmodium knowlesi, in a 96-well plate incubated at 37 degrees C on a RPMI culture medium supplemented with baboon serum. Of the eight, three were investigated for prophylactic and curative activities in BALB/c mice against drug-sensitive Plasmodium berghei in a 4-day test at a dose rate of 200mg/kg/day.
RESULTS:
Inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)) values of between 3.14 and 75 microg/ml, up to 69% chemosuppression of parasites growth and over 80% survivorship of treated mice were observed.
CONCLUSION:
The two medicinal plants, Warburgia ugandensis and Zanthoxylum usambarense possess bioactive compounds against malaria parasites and could be exploited for further development into malaria therapy.
Description
doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.04.034.