Alkaloid and terpenoid fractions from the leaves of Launaea taraxacifolia (Willd.) repressed the proliferation of Plasmodium berghei in mice

Medicinal plants play a major role in the treatment and prevention of malaria in many communities across the world. The aim of the study was to validate the ethno pharmacological claims of L. taraxacifolia, traditionally used to treat malaria in western part of Nigeria by evaluating its antiplasmodial efficacies. A maceration of dried leaves of L. taraxacifolia was prepared in ethanol. Alkaloid and terpenoid fractions of L. taraxacifolia were extracted using solvent-solvent extraction methods. Antiplasmodial activities of crude extract, alkaloid and terpenoid fractions of L. taraxacifolia were assessed by suppressive, curative and prophylaxis assays against chloroquine-sensitive P. berghei (NK-65) infected mice. Enzyme activities (AST, ALT, ALP and gamma-GT) were evaluated in serum of P. berghei infected mice. Radical scavenging activity of the extract was measured using DPPH, hydroxyl radical and FRAP  FRPAS assays. Phytochemical analysis of the extract and fractions were done using GC system. The results of this study showed that the crude extract and fractions inhibited the proliferation of P. berghei with varying degrees. Crude extract displayed a significant (p < 0.05) chemosuppression effects at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. Alkaloid and terpenoid fractions were relatively potent than the crude extract at 10 mg/kg body weight. The extract and fractions of L. taraxacifolia significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the increase in activities of enzymes caused by P. berghei infection in mice. In addition, oral administration of L. taraxacifolia extract and fractions significantly normalized the concentration of urea and creatinine in the serum of treated mice. Some known alkaloids and terpenoids identified from the leaves of L. taraxacifolia are β-sitosterol 3-0-β-D-glucopyranoside, 16-carbaldehyde, 7a-Hexahydro 6H-indol-6-one, 3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl, octahydro-1-methyl and β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid. The results of this study support the ethno medical use of L. taraxacifolia leave as antimalarial remedies. Further studies on the mechanism of actions of the antiplasmodial components of L. taraxacifolia may lead to the discovery of a more potent antimalarial drug.