Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Original Research Article | OPEN ACCESS

Antiplasmodial and antitrypanosomal effects of some plant extracts utilized within Nigerian traditional healing practices

Ijeoma S Okoro^1,2 , Sampson D Umoh¹, Anita K Asekunowo³, Ahamefula A Ahuchaogu⁴, Omotola M Fayomi¹, Peter O Onuwa¹

¹Department of Chemistry, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Nigeria; ²Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; ³Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos; ⁴Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Abia State University, Nigeria.

For correspondence:- Ijeoma Okoro Email: Okoro.ijeoma@uam.edu.ng Tel:+234-7036975804

Received: 8 January 2025 Accepted: 20 May 2025 Published: 31 May 2025

Citation: Okoro IS, Umoh SD, Asekunowo AK, Ahuchaogu AA, Fayomi OM, Onuwa PO. Antiplasmodial and antitrypanosomal effects of some plant extracts utilized within Nigerian traditional healing practices. Trop J Pharm Res 2025; 24(5):703-709 doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v24i5.8

© 2025 The authors.
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Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the antiplasmodial and antitrypanosomal properties of extracts from Anthocleista djalonensis A. Chev. (Gentianaceae), Vernonia cinerea Less (Asteraceae), and Pycnanthus angolensis Welw. (Myristicaceae).

Methods: Cell growth inhibitory activities were measured using Trypanosoma brucei (10? – 10? parasites/mL in HMI-9 or SDM-79 medium) and Plasmodium falciparum strain 3D7 (0.1 –10 % parasitemia and 10? parasites/mL in culture). An IC50 value less than 10 μg/mL was required for activity.

Results: Viability of P. falciparum and T. brucei was significantly reduced when exposed to extracts of A. djalonensis and P. angolensis at 25 μg/mL (p < 0.05), with extract of V. cinerea demonstrating less antiplasmodial activity. Furthermore, crude extracts of A. djalonensis, V. cinerea, and P. angolensis demonstrated strong anti-trypanosomal activity with IC50 values of 0.0036, 2.818, and 4.677 μg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion: The study reveals the antiplasmodial and antitrypanosomal properties of A. djalonensis, V. cinerea, and P. angolensis, highlighting the need for further investigation of their constituents

Keywords: A. djalonensis, V. cinerea, P. angolensis, Antiplasmodial activity, Antitrypanosomal activity