OBJECTIVES

In an attempt to discover new natural active extracts against malaria parasites, the present study evaluated the antiplasmodial properties of selected plants based on Iranian traditional medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten plant species found in Iran were selected and collected based on the available literature about the Iranian traditional medicine. The methanolic extracts of these plants were investigated for antimalarial properties against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and multi-drug resistant (K1) strains of . Their activity against infection in mice was also determined. Cytotoxicity tests were carried out using the Raji cells line using the MTT assay. The extracts were phytochemically screened for their active constituents.

RESULTS

According to the IC and selectivity index (SI) values, of the 10 selected plant species, , , and displayed potent antimalarial activity against both 3D7 and K1 strains with no toxicity (IC= 2.01-18.67 µg/ml and SI=3.55 to 19.25). Comparisons between treated and untreated control mice showed that the mentioned plant species reduced parasitemia by 65.08%, 57.97%, and 60.68%, respectively. The existence of antiplasmodial compounds was detected in these plant extracts.

CONCLUSION

This was the first study to highlight the and antiplasmodial effects of , , and in Iran. Future studies can use these findings to design further biological tests to identify the active constituents of the mentioned plant species and clarify their mechanism of action.