Antimalarial Activity of Stem Bark of Periploca linearifolia during Early and Established Plasmodium Infection in Mice

BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, stem bark of Periploca linearifolia is used for the treatment of malaria by the local community and demonstrated antimalarial activity in vitro. Despite its in vitro antimalarial activity, no scientific study has been carried out to verify its activity in vivo. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the antimalarial activity of Periploca linearifolia stem bark extract in mice. METHODS: The dried stem bark of Periploca linearifolia was extracted with 80% methanol and evaluated for its antimalarial activity on both early and established Plasmodium berghei infected mice. The extract was prepared at graded doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg. Chloroquine and distilled water were administered to the positive and negative control groups, respectively. RESULTS: The crude extract, at all tested doses, suppressed parasitemia significantly (p < 0.05) for 200 and 400 mg/kg and (p < 0.001) for 600 mg/kg. The suppression values at these doses were 56.98, 43.33, and 38.17 percent, respectively. Periploca linearifolia extract also demonstrated schizonticidal activity in the established malaria infection. CONCLUSION: The plant Periploca linearifolia has a promising antimalarial activity in mice, supporting its in vitro finding. Thus, it could be considered as a potential source to develop new antimalarial agent.