The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2023; 12(4):218-229 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2023.12402

Research Article

Antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of selected medicinal plants in Western Kenya

Daniel Wekesa¹ , Fidelis Mambo² , Erick Barasa² , Kevin Soita³ , Abdiaziz Ali Gosar⁴ , Nicholas Kitungulu⁵ , Nathan Shaviya²

Daniel Wekesa,Fidelis Mambo,Erick Barasa,Kevin Soita,Abdiaziz Ali Gosar,Nicholas Kitungulu,Nathan Shaviya

1. Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kitale Level 5 Hospital, Kitale, Kenya, P.O. Box 98-30200, Kitale, Kenya
2. Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya, P.O. Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya
3. Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kakamega, Kenya, P.O. Box 15-50100, Kakamega, Kenya
4. Production Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P.O. Box 54840 - 00200, Nairobi, Kenya, P.O. Box 54840 - 00200, Nairobi, Kenya
5. Department of Biological Sciences, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya, P.O. Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 14th June, 2023 / Accepted: 6th August, 2023 / Published : 31st August, 2023

Abstract

Malaria is a potentially lethal illness that is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes and is caused by a parasitic organism. Individuals who are pregnant, small children, and the elderly are considered to be especially susceptible to the condition. The presently accessible antimalarial medications are associated with adverse effects and substantial expenses, particularly in regions with little financial resources. Medicinal plants present a viable option owing to their reduced incidence of adverse effects, decreased financial burden, and convenient availability. Nevertheless, the existing body of research pertaining to the utilization of medicinal plants for the treatment of malaria is somewhat restricted. The objective of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and antiplasmodial characteristics of various medicinal plants found in Kakamega County, located in Western Kenya. In vitro studies were conducted using organic and aqueous extracts derived from the plants. The extracts were used to assess both chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (W2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Additionally, an evaluation was conducted to determine the safety and cytotoxicity of the plant extracts. The plant extracts obtained from dichloromethane exhibited the lowest yield, whereas the water extracts yielded the highest proportion. Plants belonging to the Leguminosae family, namely Senna didmobotrya and Senna occidentalis, exhibited the most substantial productivity when subjected to water and methanol solvents. Several plant extracts shown significant antiplasmodial action against both the chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant strains of the malaria parasite. A number of extracts had a moderate level of antiplasmodial action, but a small subset exhibited poor or negligible activity. Of the three examined extract types (water, methanol, and dichloromethane), it was shown that the methanol extracts exhibited the greatest prevalence of plants with significant antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive strain. The majority of the methanol extracts exhibited moderate action against both strains, although a minority shown low or no activity. The extracts of dichloromethane also exhibited a variety of antiplasmodial properties. In general, the study unveiled the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants found in Kakamega County, located in Western Kenya, for the treatment of malaria. The efficacy of these plants in inhibiting the growth of both chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant strains of the malaria parasite was demonstrated. The results of this study offer significant insights for stakeholders who are interested in investigating the potential of herbal remedies as an alternate strategy for the treatment of malaria.