Regresar

Antiplasmodial activity of Solanaceae species present in Cuba

Abstract:

Introduction: malaria control mostly depends on an effective therapy. Many current antimalarials are of natural origin. Cuban flora species contain anti-Plasmodium metabolites. This study identifies Solanaceae extracts with promising antiplasmodial activity. Objective: to evaluate anti-Plasmodium berghei schizonticidal activity of 31 extracts of seven species corresponding to five genera of Solanaceae plants collected in the west of our country, without history of a similar study. Methods: 31 hydroalcoholic (30%/90% ethanol) extracts were prepared with different body parts from Brunfelsia undulata Sw., Datura stramonium L. var. tatula (L.) Torr., Physalis solanaceus (Schltdl.) Axelius, Solandra longiflora Tuss., Solanum myriacanthum Dunal, Solanum seaforthianum And. and Solanum umbellatum Mill. The extracts activity was evaluated in vitro for Plasmodium berghei and their cytotoxicity was determined for human fibroblasts MRC-5. Results: brunfelsia undulata and Solanum umbellatum extracts were inactive. The Solanum seaforthianum stems extract showed the strongest antiplasmodial activity (CI50=3.9 ?g/ml) with excellent selectivity (18.2). Conclusions: the antiplasmodial in vitro activity of extracts from five species of Solanaceae was demonstrated, without any history of this pharmacological action. An extract was identified to have a powerful schizontocidal activity against Plasmodium berghei and excellent selectivity. This result encourages us to continue the study of the plant preparation of Solanum seaforthianum.