The effects of extracts of Enantia chlorantha in malaria

Abstract

The aqueous extract of the plant Enantia chlorantha was found effective in suppressing Plasmodium yoelii infection in mice if given orally in drinking fluid at 0·2–150 mg ml⁻¹, but not if given by oral cannulation or subcutaneously. The animals given the extract in their drinking fluid survived for over 60 days. The ethanolic extract also was found to be effective in eliminating the parasites when administered subcutaneously in doses of 0·05–0·5 mg g⁻¹. The chemoprophylactic action of the aqueous extract given in drinks prior to infection gave protection for almost 96 hours, but the ethanolic extract administered parenterally gave no such protection. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts have ED₅₀ values of 6·9 mg g ⁻¹ and 0·34 mg g⁻¹, respectively, and are schizonticidal in action. Phytochemical analysis of the plant extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins and simple sugars.