Anti-plasmodial activity of the extracts of some Kenyan medicinal plants.
BACKGROUND
The spread of drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains necessitates search for alternative newer drugs for use against malaria. Medicinal plants used traditionally in preparation of herbal medicines for malaria are potential source of new anti-malarial drugs.


OBJECTIVE
To identify the anti-plasmodial potential of twelve plants used in preparing herbal remedies for malaria in Kilifi and Tharaka districts of Kenya.


METHODS
Twelve plants used traditionally for anti-malarial therapy in Kilifi and Tharaka districts were extracted with water/methanol yielding twenty-three extracts. The extracts were tested against chloroquine sensitive (NF54) and resistant (ENT30) P. falciparum strains in vitro using (3)Hypoxanthine assay.


RESULTS
Seven (30%) extracts showed activity against P. falciparum with IC(50) values below 20 microg/ml. The remaining 16 extracts showed low or no activity. The most active extracts were from Zanthoxylum chalybeum (Rutaceae) with an IC(50) value of 3.65 microg/ml, Cyperus articulatus (Cyperaceae) with 4.84mug/ml, and Cissampelos pareira (Menispermaceae) with 5.85 microg/ml.


CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed plants, that are potential sources of anti-malarial compounds. Anti-plasmodial activities of extracts of T. simplicifolia, C. pareira, and C. articulatus are reported for the first time.
Rukunga
G M
GM
Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), PO BOX 54840, Nairobi, Kenya.
Gathirwa
J W
JW
Omar
S A
SA
Muregi
F W
FW
Muthaura
C N
CN
Kirira
P G
PG
Mungai
G M
GM
Kofi-Tsekpo
W M
WM
D000818:Animals; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D020128:Inhibitory Concentration 50; D007630:Kenya; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000188:drug therapy; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional; D021261:Parasitic Sensitivity Tests; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000187:drug effects*
D000962:Antimalarials; D010936:Plant Extracts