A new benzophenone, and the antiplasmodial activities of the constituents of Securidaca longipedunculata fresen (Polygalaceae)

Synergism in Antiplasmodial Activities of Artemether and Lumefantrine in Combination with Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen (Polygalaceae)

“…In light of the high in vivo antimalarial activity of extracts and in vitro activity of the pure compounds from the species as previously reported [ 15 , 21 ], and the present results of good synergetic activities against reference strains and characterized field isolates, it can be suggested that the artemether and lumefantrine each combined with S. longipedunculata extracts have a good potential in malaria treatment in Africa; the continent carries the brunt of the disease. Overall, the results of the present study serve as additional evidence of the potential use of herb-drug combinations in the treatment of malaria [ 29 ], counteracting the ever-increasing emergence of resistant strains of malaria-causing parasites.…”

“…The presence of a variety of phytochemicals in the roots [ 14 ] appears to be correlated with the high antiplasmodial activities of the roots. Some of these phytochemicals isolated from the roots of the plant such as 2,3,4,5-tetramethoxybenzophenone, 4-hydroxy-2,3-dimethoxybenzophenone, 3-hydroxy-5-methoxybiphenyl, methyl-2-hydroxy-6-methoxybenzoate, benzyl-2-hydroxy-6-methoxybenzoate, 2-hydroxy-6-methoxybenzoic acid, 2,4,5-trimethoxybenzophenone, and 2-methoxy-(3,4-methylenedioxy)benzophenone were previously tested against P. falciparum and showed IC 50 values ranging from 18.6 μM to 100 μM [ 21 ]. Most of the combinations showed synergism though a few showed additivity and antagonism ( Table 5 ).…”

“…In vitro studies using mice models have shown that leaves and stems extracts of the plant are safe at 2000 mg/kg and roots extract is safe at 300 mg/kg [ 15 ]. Cytotoxicity assays using normal human cell lines have also showed that pure compounds and extracts from the plant are not toxic to LO2 (liver) and BEAS (lung) normal cells (IC 50 > 100 μM) [ 21 ].…”

“…Roots, leaves, and stems of Securidaca longipedunculata were collected from Kwale County, Ukunda Sub-County in Kenya as earlier described [ 21 ], where the plant is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria. The identity of the plant was confirmed by Mr. Patrick C. Mutiso of the Herbarium, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, where a voucher specimen (DOO 2018/005) was deposited.…”

“…S. longipedunculata has been used as a remedy for various disease conditions in traditional medicine [ 14 ], including malaria in Kenya [ 15 ], Uganda [ 16 , 17 ], Tanzania [ 18 ], Burkina Faso [ 19 ], and Nigeria [ 20 ]. In a previous study, we have reported that the methanol extract of the roots of S. longipedunculata showed antiplasmodial activity with an IC 50 value of 1.4 ± 0.07 μg/mL against the W2 strain of P. falciparum [ 21 ]. Notably, people in malaria-endemic areas are likely to take herbal medicine before seeking treatment in the formal health sector for the recommended antimalarial ACTs [ 22 ].…”