Non-Hemolytic Effect and Antiplasmodial Activity of Cassia sieberiana Root Bark on Plasmodium falciparum Isolates
KOUAME Yao Yves *
Department of Biochemistry-Genetics, Training and Research Unit of Biological Sciences, Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Korhogo, BP 1328, Cote d’Ivoire.
KOUAKOU Yeboué Koffi François
Department of Biochemistry-Genetics, Training and Research Unit of Biological Sciences, Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Korhogo, BP 1328, Cote d’Ivoire.
GOGAHY Konan
Department of Biochemistry-Genetics, Training and Research Unit of Biological Sciences, Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Korhogo, BP 1328, Cote d’Ivoire.
KONAN Pulchérie Marie Chantal
Department of Biochemistry-Genetics, Training and Research Unit of Biological Sciences, Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Korhogo, BP 1328, Cote d’Ivoire.
YAPI Houphouët Félix
Laboratory of Pharmacodynamics Biochemistry, UFR Biosciences, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, BP, 582, Abidjan 22, Côte d’Ivoire.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Malaria remains endemic in Côte d’Ivoire, and Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant species associated with malaria attacks.
Aims: This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, haemolytic effect, and antiplasmodial activity of an aqueous extract of Cassia sieberiana root bark against P. falciparum isolates.
Methods: The aqueous extract was prepared by decoction, and selected secondary metabolites were identified using colorimetric methods. Haemolytic activity was assessed using uninfected O+ red blood cells, with phosphate-buffered saline and Triton X-100 serving as the negative and positive controls, respectively. Antiplasmodial activity was evaluated against 30 P. falciparum isolates, with quinine used as the reference antimalarial molecule.
Results: The extract contained alkaloids, saponins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechic tannins, whereas gallic tannins, sterols and terpenes, and quinones were not detected. The measured haemolysis percentage was 0.619%. Antiplasmodial activity increased across the tested concentrations. At the highest tested concentration, the minimum and maximum IC50 values were 1.11 ± 0.00 μg/mL and 4.33 ± 0.00 μg/mL, respectively.
Conclusion: Under the reported in vitro conditions, the aqueous root-bark extract showed low haemolytic activity and inhibited P. falciparum isolates. These findings provide preliminary evidence that water-extractable constituents of C. sieberiana root bark may contribute to the observed antiplasmodial activity. Further standardised studies are required to confirm the dose-response relationship, cytotoxicity, selectivity, active constituents, and possible mechanisms.
Keywords: Malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, Cassia sieberiana, root bark, aqueous extract, antiplasmodial activity, haemolysis, phytochemical screening, IC50, quinine