Evaluation of antiplasmodial properties in 15 selected traditional medicinal plants from India.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antiplasmodial properties against malaria parasite in 15 plants mentioned in Indian traditional medicine texts.

Methods: In vitro antiplasmodial activity of methanolic extracts obtained from Indian traditional medicinal plants was evaluated on Plasmodium falciparum of FCK2 and INDO strains using schizont maturation inhibition assay and parasite lactate dehydrogenase inhibition assay.

Results: Methanolic extracts of Adhatoda zeylanica, Embelia ribes, Piper nigrum and Plumbago zeylanica exhibited more than 50% inhibition in both the stains in schizont maturation inhibition assay. Methanolic extracts of seven medicinal plants exhibited antiplasmodial activity at half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC) < 100 µg/mL, and methanolic extracts of five medicinal plants exhibited antiplasmodial activity at IC < 50 µg/mL in P. falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH) inhibition assay. A. zeylanica, E. ribes and P. nigrum exhibited promising antiplasmodial activity in PfLDH inhibition assay. A. zeylanica and E. ribes exhibited improved activity against resistant in comparison to sensitive strain.

Conclusion: A. zeylanica and E. ribes were the most promising extracts from this study and deserve further investigation of their antiplasmodial properties.