The Antiplasmodial Potential of Medicinal Plants Used in the Cameroonian Pharmacopoeia: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Malaria is a real public health problem. It is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Research in herbal medicine has so far shown that the use of plants against malaria is not to be neglected. This review aims to highlight the antiplasmodial potential of Cameroonian plants. In order to achieve this objective, we conducted a bibliographic search in April 2022 using the PubMed search engine. This research included both the published and unpublished studies. A narrative approach was used to describe the antiplasmodial potential of the various species of plants investigated. Quantitative data were analyzed using R studio 4.1.1 software and random effects model was used to estimate the effect size. The research of the antiplasmodial activity of Cameroonian plants dates back to 2000. This area of research has since provided extensive data to indicate the antiplasmodial potential of several plants, most of which originate from the central region. Despite the heterogeneity observed between the different plant families studied in Cameroon for their in vitro antiplasmodial effect, there is strong evidence that 17 active compounds from these plants would be ideal candidates for the synthesis of new antimalarial drugs. The Dacryodes edulis species could be considered as the best natural alternative in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria according to its properties. It is clear that the traditional Cameroonian pharmacopoeia has many species that contain compounds with antiplasmodial activity. More studies need to be conducted to explore the multitude of unexplored plants that are used in traditional medicine. These studies should take into account the nature of the cell model used for cytotoxicity assessment.

Bioassay‐Guided Isolation of Antiplasmodial Compounds from Hypericum lanceolatum Lam. (Hypericaceae) and Their Cytotoxicity and Molecular Docking

“…Likewise, the plant Harungana madagascariensis , the sole species of the genus Harungana , is commonly used for the treatment of malaria in Cameroonian folk medicine, and its use is further supported by the antiprotozoal activities of its extracts reported in literature [ 17 , 18 ]. In their recent review, Tepa et al have compiled an updated list of Cameroonian medicinal plants introduced in local preparations of medicines for malaria-affected persons as well as their in vitro potency against P. falciparum strains [ 19 ]. From their meta-analysis, they concluded that the plant Dacryodes edulis (African pear) (Burseraceae) represents a significant opportunity to be considered in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria affection; furthermore, plants like Entandrophragma congoënse (Meliaceae), Xylopia africana (Annonaceae), Vernonia guineensis (Asteraceae), or Strychnos icaja (Loganiaceae) displayed interesting active compounds with promising activities in the fight against P. falciparum [ 19 ].…”