Characterization of Malaria Preventive Extracts from Myrsine africana Seeds

Abstract

Introduction: The use of pharmaceutical anti-malaria drugs in many rural areas is not common. Various plant extracts have been used as anti-plasmodial agents. Myrsine africana seed extracts are common anti-malaria agents amongst the Maasai community of Kenya. Aims: This study aimed at characterizing the chemical constituents of methanolic, aqua and n-hexane extracts of Myrsine africana seeds. Study Design: An independent measures design was used. Methodology: The extracts were obtained by maceration of the seeds before subjecting to physical-chemical analysis, functional groups, bio-metal concentrations and phytochemicals screening. Antibacterial studies were conducted using E. coli and S. aureus. The extracts were thereafter screened for presence of quinine and chloroquine by UV VIS spectroscopy. Results: The results indicated the extracts were weakly acidic with moderate solid content. The FT-IR peaks of the extracts indicated abundance of carboxylic acids and benzylic groups. The extracts had a moderate iron concentration with mild copper, cobalt and zinc concentrations. The extracts were also rich in tannins, phenols, saponins, alkaloids and steroids. The antibacterial proficiency of both stains used increased with concentration of extracts and were highest at 50.0 mg/mL. Methanolic and water extracts of the seeds also showed appreciable quinines and chloroquinines concentrations. Conclusions: M. africana seed methanolic and water extracts can be used as anti-plasmodial drugs to help curb malaria in rural tropical regions.