Antiplasmodial Activity of the -Hexane Extract from (Jacq. ex. Fr) P. Kumm.

Objectives: Several mushrooms species have been reported to be nematophagous and antiprotozoan. This study reported the antiplasmodial and cytotoxic properties of the n-hexane extract from the edible mushroom and the isolation of a sterol from the extract.

Materials And Methods: Antiplasmodial and cytotoxicity assays were done using the plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase assay and human HeLa cervical cell lines, respectively. The structure of the isolated compound from the -hexane extract was elucidated using spectroscopic techniques.

Results: The -hexane extract (yield: 0.93% w/w) showed dose dependent antiplasmodial activity with the trend in parasite inhibition of: chloroquine (IC=0.016 μg/mL) > -hexane extract (IC=25.18 μg/mL). It also showed mild cytotoxicity (IC>100 μg/mL; selectivity index >4) compared to the reference drug emetine (IC=0.013 μg/mL). The known sterol, ergostan-5,7,22-trien-3-ol, was isolated and characterized from the extract.

Conclusion: This study reporting for the first time the antiplasmodial activity of revealed its nutraceutical potential in the management of malaria.