Evaluation of Antimalarial Activity of 80% Methanolic Root Extract of Dorstenia barnimiana Against Plasmodium berghei–Infected Mice

Abstract

Background: Due to resistance of parasites, costs, and safety issues with currently available drugs, there is a need to discover new antimalarials. Medicinal plants are one of the most important sources of new drugs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimalarial activity of a methanolic root extract of Dorstenia barnimiana in Swiss albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Methods: Four-day suppressive, curative, and prophylactic tests were performed on mice infected with P. berghei to evaluate the antimalarial activity of a methanolic root extract of the plant. Parasitemia suppression, survival time, body-weight change, rectal temperature change, and packed-cell volume were used to evaluate the activity of the extract. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test for comparisons between and within groups, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The D. barnimiana root extract showed significant (P<0.01) parasitemia-suppressive activities in all models compared to the negative control. The extract increased mean survival time and prevented weight loss, reduction in temperature, and anemia significantly in all tested doses in 4-day suppressive and curative tests. Conclusion:Based on these findings, D. barnimiana root has promising antimalarial activity and can considered a potential source to develop new agents.

Antidiabetic Activity of Hydromethanolic Extract of Crude Dorstenia barnimiana Root: Validation of In Vitro and In Vivo Antidiabetic and Antidyslipidemic Activity

“…In the acute oral toxicity study at the limit dose of 2,000 mg/kg, D. barnimiana root extract remained atoxic during the study period. This safety profile is congruent with a report by Derebe et al 31 Normoglycemic models provide clues to the mechanisms of action of natural remedies. 21 The results from the normoglycemic studies implied that the hydromethanolic crude extract of D. barnimiana had no hypoglycemic activity compared to normal controls, suggesting a lower risk of hypoglycemia for individuals in a euglycemic state.…”

“…At all tested doses, the significantly prevented weight loss in a dose-dependent manner compared to negative controls on the 4day suppression and curative tests, but not the prophylaxis test. 31 The capacity of D. barnimiana extracts to prevent significant weight loss may be attributed to the bioactive compounds that suppresses oxidative stress from free radicals generated via hyperglycemia.…”

“…30 Its root powder has shown antiplasmodial activity in a mouse model. 31 Other medicinal plants in the same family and genus have confirmed anti-DM effects, eg, D. psilurus and D. picta. 32 Dorstenia is a potential source of secondary metabolites, such as steroids, benzofuran derivatives, prenylated and geranylated coumarins, flavonoids, styrenes, and triterpenoids.…”

“…47 However, terpenoids were not detected in D barnimiana in a qualitative study conducted by Derebe et al From the present plant-extraction yield determination, there was no marked difference from a previously reported yield (40.68% vs 44.3% w/w). 31 This discrepancy in outcomes might be explained by ecological, edaphic, or climate disparities.…”

Spray Drying of Fruits Juice Formulations of Ananas cosmosus L. and Balanites aegyptiaca: Antihyperglycemic Activity

“…With its high incidence, morbidity, and mortality, diabetes is the third leading cause of death in the world, behind cardiovascular and cancer diseases [12]. Between 2013 and 2035, the number of individuals with diabetes worldwide is predicted to rise from 382 to 592 million due to a variety of causes, including aging, a sedentary lifestyle, poor eating habits, and obesity [13]. Treatment options now in use, including as insulin therapy and oral hypoglycemics, have numerous drawbacks that restrict their usefulness.…”