Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Abstract

Therapeutic Potential of Combretum mossambicense Extracts Against P. Falciparum Parasite

Viness Milumbe Chikambwe, Patrick Mubambe, Kakoma K. Maseka and Lameck Banda*

With the increase in the resistance of P. Falciparum (the deadliest malaria-causing Plasmodium) to antimalarial alkaloidbased drugs, there has been intense research on new drugs that can combat malaria. Plants provide an unlimited source of bioactive compounds that can be used to treat various diseases. In addition, plant host endophytes, such as bacteria and fungi, are regarded as ideal sources of bioactive constituents. The Combretum mossambicense plant is a medicinal plant traditionally used as an effective herbal remedy for malaria infection. However, very little research has been conducted to investigate the phytochemical composition of this plant. In this study, the phytochemistry of the extracts of this plant was investigated and referenced to the chemistry of the commercial drugs used to treat malaria.

The results showed that Combretum mossambicense extracts contained alkaloids. However, the alkaloids found in the plant extracts are not directly linked to those reported for the treatment of malaria. A literature review of other compounds found in the plant showed that other nonalkaloid compounds had a positive effect on P. Falciparum. According to the literature, antimicrobial compounds can be used to treat malaria. The profiles of all the plant parts revealed the presence of numerous compounds with reported biological importance, including antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant activities. Furthermore, some of these samples contained compounds like those reported for conventional nonalkaloid antimalarial drugs. It has been shown that Combretum mossambicense contains nonalkaloid but antiplasmodial compounds such as 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (linoleic acid), 17 octadecynoic acid, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and beta-sitosterol. These compounds are present as modern non-alkaloid-based antimalarial drugs that fight P. Falciparum resistance. Given the reported increase in the resistance of P. Falciparum to alkaloid-based antimalaria drugs, the efficacy of this nonalkaloid herbal remedy for malaria treatment is important.

Published Date: 2024-07-18; Received Date: 2024-06-18