Hydroalcoholic Extract of Alstonia scholaris Arrests Invasion of Plasmodium falciparum by Effective RBC Membrane Stabilization

Aim: Traditionally medicinal plants play a key role in malaria control. Several studies have demonstrated that alkaloids have excellent antiplasmodial potential. Alstonia scholaris is rich in alkaloid content; despite this fact its antimalarial potential has been less explored. Therefore, the main objective of our study was evaluation of the possible anti-plasmodial efficacy of hydro-alcoholic extract of Alstonia scholaris leaves, with specific emphasis on its role in stabilization of the RBC membrane.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Zoology, BMT and Human Genetics, Gujarat University, Gujarat, India, between December-2014 to May- 2016.

Methodology: In order to assess its acclaimed potentials, a hydro-alcoholic extract was prepared from leaves of Alstonia scholaris, and tested for its antiplasmodial activity, using specific assays for in vitro percentage inhibition of entry of parasites and erythrocyte membrane stabilization. In addition, anti-oxidant activity was estimated using DPPH assay.

Results: It was observed that the plant extract had significant antiplasmodial activity. The EC50 value of MRC 2 was 8.87 µg/ml and 34.27 µg/ml on RKL 9 with very good antioxidant activity.

Conclusion: This plant could be an effective antimalarial agent which could be used alone or in combination, to effectively control this dreaded parasite protozoan.