Evaluation of Metabolite Compositions and Antimalarial Efficacy of Alstonia boonei (Cheese wood) in Plasmodiun-infected white albino mice (BALB/c)

Abstract Background of the study: The recent increase in resistance of the malaria parasite has led to the urgent need for new and novel antimalarial molecules with different modes of action to combat the resistance. Plants have in the past proven to be sources of new molecules for drug development against diseases including malaria. Statement of problem: The increase in antimalarial drug resistance has greatly affected efforts towards the control and prevention of malaria in recent years. Hence, there is an urgent need for the discovery of new molecules for the development of new antimalarial drugs. Research on plants used traditionally for malaria treatment, such as Alstonia boonei in this study, may yield new antimalarial molecules. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolite compositions and antimalarial efficacy of Alstonia boonei (cheese wood) in plasmodium-infected white albino mice (BALB/c mice). Methodology: Standard chemical tests were carried out on the extract to determine the presence of phytochemical metabolite compounds in the extract by using the modified methods described in an earlier study [10]. Each test was qualitatively expresses as negative (-) or positive (+). The antimalaria efficacy of the extract was evaluated in Plasmodium berghei-infected white albino (BALAB/c) mice. The levels of parasitaemia inhibition by the extract was determined by the examination of thin and thick blood smear preparations from the treated mice under the microscope. Results: Metabolite compounds obtained from the phytochemical evaluation of the extract include tannins, flavonoids, steroids, phenols, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides and terpenoids. The antimalarial tests of the ethanolic root extract of A. boonei showed significant dose- dependent antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei infection in white albino mice (BALB/c mice) as indicated by the, suppressive (41.64%, 53.92% and 62.81% for 100, 200 and 400 mgkg-1 body weights), prophylactic (45.79%, 58.54% and 66.73% for 100, 200 and 400 mgkg-1 body weights), and curative (49.46%, 65.97% and 69.58% for 100, 200 and 400 mgkg-1 body weights) effects. Conclusion: It was concluded that the extract contains important metabolite compounds and also has significant antimalarial efficacy against malaria infection. Recommendation: It is recommended that Alstonia boonei plant extracts should be further investigated to determine their bioactive compounds. The bioactive compounds should then be isolated and then tested to determine their antimalarial potential and position them for new antimalarial drug development. Keywords: Antimalarial, Bio active compounds, Efficacy, Metabolites, Plasmodium berghei