Phyllantus amarus (Schum. and Thonn): An Antiplasmodial Plant
Journal Title: Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research - Year 2014, Vol 4, Issue 35
Abstract
The incidence of malaria infestation has assumed epidemic status and treatment procedures have failed to yield required results due to resistance of most Plasmodial species to conventional antimalarial drugs especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Phyllantus amarus (Schum and Thonn) was screened for in vivo antiplasmodial activity in albino mice. Ethanol and aqueous extracts (ETOHE and AE) were used for the assays. Phytochemical screening of the ethanol and aqueous extracts of the aerial parts of the plant was carried out to ascertain the secondary metabolites present. Chloroquine resistant Plasmodium berghei (NK65) was injected into the mice by passaging. Forty-eight hours after inducing malaria infestation, the plant extracts were administered intraperitoneally for 4 days at a dose of 10mg/kg, same with the reference antimalarials. It was observed that the ethanol extract (ETOHE) showed the highest antiplasmodial activity comparable to that of Artemether (Group C) treated mice. There was no significant difference in antimalaria activity between the Artemether treated (Group C) and the ethanol treated (Group A) mice at p=0.01. The antiplasmodial activities of the extracts may be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals/secondary metabolites present in the aerial parts of the plant which include: alkaloids, saponins, flavonods and other secondary metabolites. The plant extracts were equally screened for their mineral contents, some of which were found to be abundant, such as Ca, Fe, Mn, K, Na, Cu and Zn. The plant extracts can be used for the treatment of malaria infestation as well the supplementation of mineral nutrients in health and disease.
Authors and Affiliations
R. N. Nwaoguikpe, C. O. Ujowundu, W. Braide, J. Obi
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP348698
- DOI 10.9734/BJMMR/2014/7463
- Views 80
- Downloads 0
Induction of Rat Marrow Stromal Cells by FGF2 and Insulin Activates Transcription of runx2 Gene through ap1 Consensus Sequence
Background: Signaling transductions in bone development and regeneration are complicated and relied on various growth factors functioning in an orchestrated manner. FGF2 and insulin are bone anabolic agents. Co-induction...
Metabolic Syndrome: Modification of the Fatty Acid Composition and Glucose-insulin Homeostasis
Objective: Metabolic syndrome is a widespread disease associated with cardiovascular pathologies and diabetes mellitus. The underlying mechanisms for development of the metabolic syndrome are currently being intensively...
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Body-Chair Mismatch among Junior High School Students in Ghana: A Risk Factor for the Young
Aim: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and body-chair mismatch among Junior High School (JHS) students in Ghana. Study Design: This was a cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study...
From Faulty Biochemical Assumptions to Poor Diagnostic Performance: Reflections on the Failure of DNA Microarrays to Become a Reliable Clinical Diagnostic Tool
Since their inception about two decades ago, DNA microarrays have been considered as a great hope in translational research and personalized medicine. Although DNA microarrays for gene expression profiling proved to be a...
Comparative Study of Two Sclerosants for Pleurodesis for Incurable Pleural Effusions and Pneumothorax
Background: Pleurodesis is indicated in thoracic pathologies associated with pleural effusions or pneumothoraces resulting from incurable diseases and therefore risked with high chance of recurrence Objective: To compare...