In Vivo Antiplasmodial Activity and Safety of the Aqueous Ethanolic Shoot Extracts of Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn

Abstract

Background: Monoherbal aqueous shoot extracts of Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn (Euphorbiaceae) is used in traditional medical practice in Tororo, Uganda to treat malaria fevers. Previous studies have demonstrated antibabesial, anti HIV, antibacterial, trypanosomal effects as well as antiplasmodial activity based on schizonts. However, there is hardly any study reporting the antiplasmodial activity on any part of P. amarus targeting trophozoites. Objective: To evaluate the In vivo antiplasmodial activity against trophozoites and safety of aqueous ethanolic shoot extracts of Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn. Materials and Method: Standard methods of extraction were used to obtain the crude extract as well as semi purified fraction from the study plant extract. Aqueous ethanolic shoot extracts of Phyllanthus amarus were tested for their In vivo antiplasmodial activity in Plasmodium berghei infected mice and evaluated by the standard 4- day suppressive test. Acute toxicity studies of Phyllanthus amarus was performed in at the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics – Makerere University College of Health Sciences using established methods. Results revealed In vivo antiplasmodial activity with good suppression activity ranging from 53.40% to 69.46%. In toxicity tests, no mice died within 24 hours of exposure to the test drug at room temperature even at 5000 mg/Kg indicating that it is nontoxic. Conclusion: Aqueous - ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus amarus shoot extract possesses useful In vivo antiplasmodial activity against trophozoites when used at doses that cause no marked toxicity in mice.