Antimalarial Activity ofCocos nuciferaHusk Fibre: Further Studies

Abstract

In this study, the antimalarial and toxicity potentials of husk fibre extracts of five Nigerian varieties ofCocos nuciferawere evaluatedin vitro. The only active extract fraction, West African Tall (WAT) ethyl acetate extract fraction, was then evaluated for its phytochemical constituents, antimalarial and toxicity potentials at varying doses (31.25–500 mg/kg body weight) using various organ function indices. The results revealed that WAT ethyl acetate extract fraction (WATEAEF) contained alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids and was active againstPlasmodium falciparumW2 strain maintained in continuous culture, with a selectivity index of 30.3. The same extract fraction was activein vivoagainstPlasmodium bergheiNK65, causing more than 50% reduction in parasitaemia on days 4 and 6 after inoculation at various doses administered. WATEAEF did not significantly alter (P>0.05) function indices of the liver and cardiovascular system at all doses administered but significantly increased (P<0.05) plasma creatinine concentration at 250 and 500 mg/Kg body weight compared to controls. The results of this study suggest that WATEAEF possesses antimalarial activity and may not adversely affect normal liver function nor predispose subjects to cardiovascular diseases but may impair normal kidney function at higher doses. Further studies are underway to isolate the active principles.