Azadirachta indicaextract–artesunic acid combination produces an increased cure rate ofPlasmodium berghei-infected mice

Abstract

(Meliaceae).Objective: Combination of an artemisinin-based compound and a medicinal herb extract will provide an indigenous alternative/herb-based ACT. Materials and methods: The in vivo schizontocidal activity of the crude aqueous extract of 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg of A. indica fresh leaves (NCE) and 6, 15, and 20 mg/kg of artesunic acid were determined, alone and in combination, while keeping the dose of artesunic acid constant at 15 mg/kg, using the Peter's 4-day suppressive test and Swiss albino mice. The ED 50 was calculated from the dose-response relationships. Percentage survival and cure were also determined. Results: The average yield of two extractions of NCE was 8.33 AE 1.67%. Combination of 1000 mg/kg of NCE and 15 mg/kg of artesunic acid, produced a significant reduction of parasitemia (96.87%), compared to 20 mg/kg of artesunic acid alone (68.14%). The combination had an ED 50 of 0.58 mg/kg while that of artesunic acid alone was 8.814 mg/kg. The combinations of NCE with artesunic acid produced a cure, although the artesunic acid did not produce a cure in 30 d. Discussion: NCE increased the activity of artesunic acid in terms of reduction in parasitemia, and increased survival time and cure rate. Conclusion: The combination of an artemisinin and aqueous extract of neem leaf is possible, providing a potentiated reduction of parasitemia, and increased cure rate.

Evaluation of herbal antimalarial MAMA decoction-amodiaquine combination in murine malaria model

“…Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative and alternative strategies to combat the resistant strains of the parasite. Some studies have shown that plant-based preparations, co-administered with orthodox drugs, produced better antimalarial activities on both chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive and CQ-resistant Plasmodium strains (Ahorlu et al 1997;Muregi et al 2003Muregi et al , 2007Adibe 2009;Anagu et al 2014). MAMA decoction (MD), an herbal remedy prepared from a mixture of the leaves of Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae), Alstonia boonei De Wild (Apocynaceae), Morinda lucida Benth (Rubiaceae) and Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae) in equal proportions, has been reported to possess antimalarial activities on CQ-sensitive P. berghei NK65 in rodents with acceptable safety (Akanmu et al 2013;Adepiti et al 2014;Odediran et al 2014).…”

Antimalarial Properties of Aqueous Crude Extracts ofGynostemma pentaphyllumandMoringa oleiferaLeaves in Combination with Artesunate inPlasmodium berghei-Infected Mice

“…There are several reports on antimalarial drug combination showing their in vitro and in vivo on malaria parasites [41–45]. The aqueous crude extracts of G. pentaphyllum and M. oleifera leaves exhibited high level of antimalarial activity in P. berghei -infected mice when administered with artesunate.…”

Antimalarial and Anti-hypoglycemic Properties of Siamese Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica) in Plasmodium berghei Infected Mice

“…Interestingly, oxidative damage in order to inhibit malaria parasite of artemisinin has been reported, and might related to antimalarial property of Siamese neem tree extract. Moreover, it has been reported antimalarial activity was found in either A. indica leaf extract alone or in combination with artesunate in dosedependent manners [28]. Azadirachtin and nimbin were considered to be active compounds in this extract [29,30].…”