Antiplasmodial Potential of Indonesian Medicinal Plants

Abstract Background: Species A. paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees known as″ Sambiloto ″ and P. pellucida L. Kunth known as″ Suruhan ″ are mainly distributed in Indonesia and their combination was used as a traditional medicine for treating malaria diseases. However, no information appears to have evaluated the antiplasmodial potential of the two plants. This research aimed to evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of the two plants and the species P. pellucida L. Kunth alone as a source of antiplasmodial agent. Methods: In vitro test of the AP-PP and PP extracts against Pf D-10 (chloroquine-sensitive) were performed as described by Desjardins et al. An in vivo test of the PP extract in mice infected with Pb ANKA was performed using Peters´ 4-day suppressive test. Parasitemia, growth and inhibition rates were determined via Giemsa-stained smear of blood and analyzed microscopically. Survival was followed up until day 21 post-infection.Results: The increased ratio of the PP extract (20:80) exhibited significant antiplasmodial in contrast to the high ratio of the AP extract (IC50, 62.01 mg/mL). Further evaluation of the PP extract alone displayed better antiplasmodial activity with an IC50 value of 4.0 mg/mL. Furthermore, an in vivo test of the PP extract in BALB/c albino mice infected with Pb ANKA exhibited a significant chemosuppressive effect in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion: The increased ratio of the PP extract exhibited a major contribution for their activity. The PP extract alone showed better antiplasmodial activity than the AP extract and their combination. An in vivo test confirmed the efficacy of the PP extract in mouse model.