The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2019;8(6):282-285 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2019.8602

Research Article

Antimalarial Activity and cytotoxicity profile of the seed extracts of Garcinia kola (GUTTIFERAE)

Tejumade S Ujomu^1,2 , Oyindamola O Abiodun^1,2 , Gabriel O Adegoke³ , Grace O Gbotosho^1,2,4

Tejumade S Ujomu,Oyindamola O Abiodun,Gabriel O Adegoke,Grace O Gbotosho

1. Malaria Research Laboratories, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
2. Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
3. Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
4. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 17th October, 2019 / Accepted: 28th November, 2019

Abstract

Background: The emergence of parasite resistance to artemisinins typified by slower parasite clearance rates in some parts of South east Asia has necessitated the search for alternatives. Objective: This study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity and the cytotoxicity profile of the n- hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts of Garcinia kola seeds. Methods: In vitro susceptibility of chloroquine-sensitive PF D10 strain to the extracts was evaluated using parasite lactate dehydrogenase assay while cytotoxicity was determined using 3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay with Vero cells and emetine as standard drug. Chloroquine-resistant P. berghei (ANKA) infected Swiss mice allotted into 14 groups of 5 per group: corn oil (5mL/kg), 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg of each extract and chloroquine (10 mg/kg) were used to evaluate in vivo antimalarial activity in a 4-day suppressive test. Results: The n-hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts of the seeds of Garcinia kola were active in vitro against chloroquine sensitive P. falciparum D10 strain with IC50 values ? 26 µg/mL. The hexane and dichloromethane extracts were non- cytotoxic against Vero cells with IC50 values ? 27 µg/ml The hexane extract of Garcinia kola seeds reduced parasitemia by 70% at 400 mg/kg and prolonged survival in mice infected with P. berghei ANKA. Conclusion: The observed antimalarial activity justifies the use of Garcinia kola seeds in the treatment of febrile illnesses.