In vivo antiplasmodial and toxicological effect of Maytenus senegalensis traditionally used in the treatment of malaria in Tanzania

Abstract

BackgroundIn Tanzania and elsewhere, medicinal plants, including Maytenus senegalensis, are still widely used in the treatment of malaria and other ailments. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vivo antiplasmodial and toxic effects in mice.MethodsOral antiplasmodial and acute toxicity of the ethanolic root extract of M. senegalensis was evaluated in mice. The Peters 4-day in vivo antiplasmodial effect against early rodent malaria infection in chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei NK 65 strain in mice.ResultsThe M. senegalensis extract was found non-toxic and the oral median lethal dose in mice was determined to be greater than 1,600 mg/kg body weight. The findings revealed a significant (P = 0.001) daily increase in the level of parasitaemia in the parasitized untreated groups and a significant (P < 0.001) dose dependent decrease in parasitaemia in the parasitized groups treated with varying doses ranging from 25 to 100 mg/kg body weight of M. senegalensis extract and the standard drug sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine at 25/1.25 mg/kg body weight. Overall, the dose dependent parasitaemia suppression effects were in the order of: 25/1.25 mg/kg body weight of sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine > 100 mg/kg > 75 mg/kg > 50 mg/kg > 25 mg/kg body weight of M. senegalensis extract.ConclusionThe implications of these findings is that M. senegalensis ethanolic root bark extract possess potent antiplasmodial effect and may, therefore, serve as potential sources of safe, effective and affordable anti-malarial drugs. The displayed high in vivo antiplasmodial activity and lack of toxic effect render M. senegalensis a candidate for the bioassay-guided isolation of compounds which could develop into new lead structures and candidates for drug development programmes against human malaria.

In vivo antiplasmodial activity of hydromethanolic leaf extract and solvent fractions of Maytenus gracilipes (Celastraceae) against Plasmodium berghei in mice

“…Thus, we could say that leaves of M. gracilipes possessed antimalarial activity. This assertion is further evidenced by in vivo study that reported antiplasmodial activity of other species of the same genus Maytenus senegalensis [ 60 ]. Malaria is frequently treated with drugs that have antibacterial properties.…”

Improved Perceptions and Practices Related to Schistosomiasis and Intestinal Worm Infections Following PHAST Intervention on Kome Island, North-Western Tanzania

“…The involvement of local communities in the design and implementation of schistosome and intestinal worm control programmes is increasingly becoming recognized as crucial if cost-effective and long-term success is to be realized. Despite criticisms [ 30 ], PHAST approach is still useful in empowering communities to control water, hygiene, and sanitation-related infectious diseases such as schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections. Once people’s knowledge and perceptions of the disease and its consequences are recognized, health education needs to be tailored to enhance more understanding of the nature of the disease and the human role in its transmission.…”

A Review on Phytochemicals of the Genus Maytenus and Their Bioactive Studies

“…These were (+)-catechin and caffeic acid. Hamisi et al [119] found that the ethanolic extracts of root barks of M. senegalensis possessed potent anti-plasmodial effects, and may, therefore, serve as a potential source of an alternative safe, effective and affordable anti-malarial drug. Bishnoi [120] studied the anti-hyperglycemic activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of the leaves of M. emarginatus.…”