Antiplasmodial activity of Justicia betonica, Vernonia dumicola and Rotheca myricoides

Abstract

Background: Malaria, a disease caused by Plasmodium species, is a major cause of human sickness and death worldwide, more so in the tropics. The parasites have developed resistance to antiplasmodial drugs, and this has been a challenge in control and treatment of the disease through chemotherapy. Hence, there is a need for a continuous search for alternative antiplasmodial agents. The use of plants to treat malaria and other ailments has been there since time immemorial. The plants: Justicia betonica, Vernonia dumicola and Rotheca myricoides are among the many that are used traditionally to treat malaria. Despite this use, their antiplasmodial activity has neither been scientifically confirmed nor evaluated.

Objective: This study determined the antiplasmodial activity of aqueous extracts of J. betonica aerial parts and leaves of V. dumicola and R. myricoides. Also, qualitative phytochemistry was analyzed.

Materials and methods: In vitro antiplasmodial activity was done using the D6 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Phytochemistry was screened following standard protocols

Results: The aqueous extract of R. myricoides leaves had the highest chemosuppression with an IC₅₀ value of 1.32±0.03μg/ml while the lowest chemosuppression was in the combined aqueous extract of J. betonica aerial parts and leaves of V. dumicola. This recorded an IC₅₀ value of 11.03±1.18μg/ml. Besides, all the extract contained tannins, anthraquinones and phenols

Conclusion: All the extract possesses antiplasmodial efficacy which could be credited to the classes of phytochemicals observed. The plants analyzed in this study are recommended for developing antimalarial agents.