Antimalarial activity of extract and fractions of Castanopsis costata (Blume) A.DC

Abstract

Objective: One of the biggest health problems in the world, which occurs in more than 90 countries, is the spread of malaria. Cep-cepan leaves (Castanopsis costata), was empirically used as an antimalarial herb in North Sumatra. Since its use has not been scientifically studied, we investigated the antimalarial activity of extract and fractions of C. costata against Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) in a mouse model.

Materials and methods: This experimental study was conducted using 32 male Balb/C mice. PbA inoculation was performed intraperitoneally with 10⁶ parasites/mouse. Immediately after parasitemia reach >2% (day 0), the mice were treated orally with daily artesunate (36.4 mg/kg/day) (positive control), ethanolic extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day), and the fractions of water, ethyl acetate and n-hexane (108 mg/kg/day each) for 5 consecutive days (from day 0 to 4). Parasitemia inhibition was observed to determine the antimalarial activity of each type of C. costata extract and fractions.

Results: The administration of C. costata leaves ethanolic extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the growth of PbA in Balb/C mice (42.66%, 66.2 1% and 80.99 % inhibition, respectively) (p<0.05). Similarly, all C. costata fractions also produced antimalarial activity against PbA with administration of the ethyl acetate fraction presenting the highest activity (79.85 % inhibition).

Conclusion: The C. costata leaves showed antimalarial activity against P bA. However, further studies are necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this effect and the active compounds involved. Our current study revealed that C.costata could be a potential candidate to be used as a new antimalarial drug.

Keywords: Castanopsis costata Antimalarial drugs; Malaria; Plasmodium berghei.

Figure 1

In vivo antimalaria activity of extract of C. costata. The graph represents % parasitemia upon administration of drug (artesunate), PGA (control) and extract. Data are presented as mean±SEM of four animals in each group. ** shows p<0.05 compared to the control group. PGA: Pulvis Gummi Arabicum

Figure 2

In vivo antimalaria activity of C. Costata fractions. The graph represents % parasitemia upon administration of drug (artesunate), PGA (control) and fractions. Data are presented as mean±SEM of four animals in each group. ** shows p<0.05 compared to the control group. PGA: Pulvis Gummi Arabicum

Figure 3

The anti-malaria activity of C. costata leaves extract against PbA in mice. Three doses of extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) were given orally daily for 4 days. Artesunate (36.4 mg/kg, p.o) was used as a standard drug. Data are presented as mean±SEM of four animals in each group. ** shows p<0.05 compared to the control group

Figure 4

Dose-response effect of extract of C. costata leaves

Figure 5

The anti-malaria activity of fractions of C. costata leaves in PbA-infected mice. Three fractions (water, ethyl acetate and n-hexane) (108 mg/kg) were given orally daily for 4 days. Artesunate (36.4 mg/kg, p.o) was used as a standard drug. Data are presented as mean±SEM of four animals in each group. ** shows p<0.05 compared to the control group

Figure 6

Morphology of each growth phase of PbA for 4 days under a microscope with a magnification of 1000X. A) Normal red blood cells; B) Ring phase; C) Trophozoite phase; D) Schizont phase