Antiplasmodial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity Activity of Ethanol and Aqueous Extracts of Stem Bark.

Background: Malaria is a serious public health problem, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to scientifically provide baseline information on the use of stem bark as an antimalaria drug by traditional healers.

Method: The stem barks of were harvested and dried to obtain powder, and fifty grams of the powder were soaked in ethanol and hot distilled water respectively, for the preparation of ethanol and aqueous extracts, then dried in an oven at 40°C for the ethanol extract and 50°C for the aqueous extract. strains 3D7 sensitive and Dd2 resistant to chloroquine, were used to evaluate in antiplasmodial activity using SYBR Green. The ability of the extracts to prevent oxidative stress was assessed by trapping 2, 2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH); nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide and ferric reducing power. The cytotoxicity test of the extracts was carried out on RAW 264.7 cell lines and on erythrocytes. The data obtained were entered in the Excel software, then in Graph pad where the IC was calculated and the curves plotted.

Results: The fifty percent inhibition (IC) of the antiplasmodial activity of the chloroquine-resistant strain PfDd2 were 54.27 ± 2.41 g/mL and 31.19 ± 4.06 g/mL respectively, for the aqueous and ethanol extracts. As for the Chloroquino-sensitive Pf3D7, IC of 53.06 g/mL was obtained for the aqueous extract and 28.03 ± 1.90 g/mL for ethanol. The DPPH radical scavenging activity presented IC of 104 g/mL for the aqueous and 2.617 g/mL for the ethanol extract; for the Nitric oxide (NO) presented an IC of 301 ± 21 g/mL for the aqueous extract 140.7 ± 21 g/mL for the ethanol; for hydrogen peroxide the ethanol and aqueous presented IC of 845.1 ± 21 g/mL and 509.4 ± 21 g/mL respectively. The cytotoxicity on RAW 264.7 cells presented High CC in particular >1000 g/mL and 467.4 g/mL respectively for the aqueous and ethanol extract.

Conclusion: Extracts of exhibited antiplasmodial activity. The ability to inhibit oxidative stress as well as lower cell toxicity on RAW 264.7 and erythrocytes, is a good indicator. However, tests remain important in order to confirm the use of this plant for the treatment of malaria.