Antiplasmodial activity of Cocos nucifera leaves in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

Abstract

Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria presents serious public health problems worldwide. The parasites resistance to antimalarial drugs has proven to be a significant hurdle in the search for effective treatments against the disease. For this reason, the study of natural products to find new antimalarials remains a crucial step in the fight against malaria. In this study, we aimed to study the in vivo performance of the decoction of C. nucifera leaves in P. berghei-infected mice. We analyzed the effectiveness of different routes of administration and the acute toxicity of the extract. Additionally, we determined the suppressive, curative and prophylactic activity of the extract. The results showed that the decoction of leaves of C. nucifera is most effective when administered intramuscularly to mice in comparison to intraperitoneal, subcutaneous and intragastric methods. We also found that organ signs of acute toxicity appear at 2000 mg/kg/day as evidenced by necropsy examination. Additionally, we found that the prophylactic effect of the extract is of 48% inhibition, however, there is no curative effect. Finally, in a 4-day suppressive assay, we found that the extract can inhibit the growth of the parasite by up to 54% at sub-toxic doses when administered intramuscularly.

A Systematic Review on Comparative Analysis, Toxicology, and Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants Against Haemonchus contortus

“…However, the intraperitoneal and intramuscular administration was toxic (Tayler et al, 2020). Moreover, the hemoglobin level fallen below the normal limit after 8 days, suggesting that the extract could have negative effects if used for longer periods of time (Tayler et al, 2020). Similarly, E. staigeriana essential oil when administered orally was non-toxic, while intraperitoneal administration did not depict similar results (Macedo et al, 2010).…”

“…The ethyl acetate extract of C. nucifera presented no acute oral toxicity at the tested doses. However, the intraperitoneal and intramuscular administration was toxic (Tayler et al, 2020). Moreover, the hemoglobin level fallen below the normal limit after 8 days, suggesting that the extract could have negative effects if used for longer periods of time (Tayler et al, 2020).…”

Isovitexin, the main phytoconstituent of Anthocleista djalonensis, may be responsible for the plant's antimalarial properties

“…This group of compounds has been found to possess antimalarial activity and a variety of other biological activities. (18,(21)(22)(23)(24) Aside from its antiplasmodial properties, isovitexin has been reported to have a variety of biological properties such as antitumor, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. (25)(26)(27)(28)(29) Isovitexin and its derivatives were also detected as major compounds in another species of Anthocleista (Ngwoke et al, 2018).…”

A review on medicinal plants used in the management of liver diseases in West Africa

“…Coconut oil did not show chronic toxicity at 5000 mg/kg and subchronic toxicity at 2000 mg/kg in rats by the oral route [124]. Administration of aqueous leaf extracts by the IM route for 4 days at 1000 mg/kg did not cause death or major signs of toxicity in mice [125].…”