Antimalarial activity of the hydroalcoholic crude extract and solvent fractions of Commelina latifolia Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke (Commelinaceae) leaves against Plasmodium berghei in mice

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: In Ethiopia, the indigenous medicinal plant Commelina latifolia Hochst. ex C.B. Clarke leaves are used to treat malaria and wounds.

Aim of the study: In this work, the antiplasmodial activity of Commelina latifolia crude leaf extract and solvent fractions against Plasmodium berghei-infected mice was investigated.

Materials and methods: 80% methanol was used to extract the leaves of C. latifolia, and the crude extract was fractionated using chloroform, pure methanol, and distilled water. All test compounds were undergone an acute oral toxicity test before being put through Peter's 4-day suppressive test to see if they have antiplasmodial activity. The hydroalcoholic crude extract and chloroform fraction were additionally assessed for antimalarial activity using curative and prophylactic tests in P. berghei-infected laboratory mice.

Results: All of the tested crude extracts were safe at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. At 400 mg/kg dose both the 80% methanol extract and chloroform fraction exhibited antimalarial activity with parasitemia suppression values of 86.31%, and 76.56% in the four-day suppressive test, 81.97% and 72.05% in Rane's test, and 69.05% and 62.88% in the prophylactic test, respectively.

Conclusion: Collectively, the oral dose of Commelina latifolia is safe, and reveals promising antimalarial activity. The findings backed up the utilization of the plant in traditional medicine to treat malaria.

Keywords: Antimalarial activity; Commelina latifolia; Plasmodium berghei; Traditional medicine.

Figure 1

% Parasitemia suppression of the hydroalcoholic crude extract in the early infection (A), Survival days of each mouse treated with the hydroalcoholic crude extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses, chloroquine 25 mg/kg (CQ), and distilled water in the early infection (B). % Parasitemia suppression of the hydroalcoholic crude extract in established infection (C). Survival days of each mouse administered with hydroalcoholic crude extract in Rane's test at a dose of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg and, chloroquine 25 mg/kg (CQ), and distilled water (D). % Parasitemia suppression of the hydroalcoholic crude extract in the repository test (E). Survival days of each mouse administered with hydroalcoholic crude extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses), chloroquine (CQ), and distilled water (F). Values are interpreted as mean ± SEM; n = 6.

Figure 2

% Parasitemia suppression of the solvent fraction in the 4-day suppressive test (A); survival days of each mouse during the evaluation of chloroform fraction in the early infection (B); % Parasitemia suppression of chloroform fraction in the established infection on day 3 to day 7 post-infection (C); survival days of each mouse during the evaluation of chloroform fraction in the Rane's test (D); % Parasitemia suppression of chloroform fraction in the prophylactic test (E); and survival days of each mouse during the evaluation of chloroform fraction in the prophylactic test (F); values are interpreted as mean ± SEM; n = 6.