Antiparasitic activity of some New Caledonian medicinal plants

Abstract Twenty-nine extracts of 18 medicinal plants used in New Caledonia by traditional healers to treat inflammation, fever and in cicatrizing remedies were evaluated in vitro against several parasites ( Leishmania donovani , Trypanosoma brucei brucei , Trichomonas vaginalis and Caenorhabditis elegans ). Among the selected plants, Scaevola balansae and Premna serratifolia L. were the most active against Leishmania donovani with IC 50 values between 5 and 10 μg/ml. The almond and aril extracts from Myristica fatua had an IC 50 value of 0.5–5 μg/ml against Trypanosoma brucei brucei . Only Scaevola balansae extract presented a weak activity against Trichomonas vaginalis . The almond extract from Myristica fatua presented significant activity against Caenorhabditis elegans (IC 50 value of 6.6 ± 1.2 μg/ml).