Isolation, characterisation and assessment of antimalarial properties of Khaya senegalensis (Stem back) extract

Abstract

In active malaria transmission areas, the disease is responsible for the death of many children less than five years of age and expecting mothers. Locals in underdeveloped African nations relied heavily on traditional herbal formulations to treat a number of ailments including malaria.In this study, the antimalarial potential of the stem back of African Mahogany (K. senegalensis) popularly known as Mad’aciinmost parts ofHausa land in Northern Nigeriawas further assessed with a view to substantiate traditional claim and revalidate already existing studies. The study also demonstrates the efficacies of crude Khaya senegalensis (Stem back) extracts on P. falciparum (3D7) in vitro. Secondary metabolites such as Alkaloids and Flavonoids were identified in all solvent extracts, the presence of which, might be indicative of the antimalarial activities observed. Similarly,suppression of parasite growth was observed to be dependenton the dosage used for all solvent extracts. Suppression of parasite growth was observed to be 52.97% for the highest concentrations (50 µg/mL) of hexane and methanolic extracts and 64.43% for the aqueous extracts. For the lowest concentrations (6.25 µg/mL) of each crude extract (Hexane = 41.32%, Methanol = 24.57% and Aqueous = 46.00%) respectively, suppression of growth of parasites was relatively lower compared to other dose levels. Further fractionation of crude extracts and assessment of antimalarial activities in other strains ofP. falciparum as well as curative and repository activities of the extracts and fractions on other malaria parasites in experimental animal models are required to substantiate the antimalarial efficacies of Khaya senegalensis.