Toxicological Analysis and Antimalarial Potentials of Secondary Metabolites of Curvularia lunata, an Endophyte Obtained from the Leaves of Azadirachta indica

Abstract

Background: Endophytes are symbiotic microorganisms that reside in their hosts. Phytochemicals of endophytes have generated significant interest in drug discovery due to their potentials towards the elucidation of new biologically active molecules. Objectives: The study was aimed to evaluate the antimalarial potentials and toxicity profile of endophytic extracts of A. indica leaves. Method: Endophytic extract was isolated from Azadirachta indica leaves using standard extraction protocols. The extract was screened for its potential antimalarial activities using Peter's curative test method, acute (LD50) and chronic toxicity. The chronic toxicity was assessed by evaluating the effect of extracts on the following parameters: AST, ALP, ALT, BUN, creatinine levels, PCV, HB, and RBC. The endophytic extract was subjected to prophylactic antimalarial assay using Peter's prophylactic test method, and ED50 was determined. Results: The endophytic extract screened for antimalarial activity showed significant activity (p<0.05). At 150 mg/kg/day, the extract displayed a dose-dependent parasitemia clearance of Plasmodium berghei by 89% and suppressed parasitemia with ED50 of 333.33 mg/kg. The LD50 was >5000 mg/ kg and showed no evidence of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and haematotoxicity. Conclusion: Endophytic extract of A. indica have potent antimalarial activity with no hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and haematotoxicity.