Antiplasmodial and haemolytic activity of ethanolic extracts and fractions obtained from Cecropia membranacea Tr茅cul. and Cecropia metensis Cuatrec. (syn. Cecropia peltata var. candida Vel谩squez)

[摘要] Introduction: the study of medicinal plants has led to the development of phytotherapeutic products and drugs for the treatment of various diseases, including malaria. Among the plants used in Brazilian traditional medicine for their febrifuge and antimalarial effects are Cecropia hololeuca, Cecropia sp., Cecropia pachystachya and Cecropia glaziovii. The antimalarial activity of Cecropia membranacea and Cecropia metensis has not been demonstrated. These two species may be found in Central and South America, including Colombia. Objective: evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of extracts and fractions of Cecropia membranacea and Cecropia metensis against Plasmodium falciparum. Methods: ethanolic extracts were obtained from petiolate leaves of the two species using the percolation method. The ethanolic extract of each species was then fractionated, using a partition system based on solvents of varying polarity (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water). The extracts and fractions obtained underwent preliminary phytochemical examination. Extracts and fractions were evaluated for their in vitro antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum FCB-2, as well as for their haemolytic activity. Results: ethyl acetate fractions of Cecropia membranacea (IC50 10.12 µg/mL) and Cecropia metensis (IC50 12.52 µg/mL) showed antiplasmodial activity without damaging the host cell membrane (HC50 >1000 µg/mL). Phytochemical evaluation of these fractions revealed a mixture of steroid, terpene and flavonoid compounds. Conclusions: ethyl acetate fractions of Cecropia membranacea and Cecropia metensis showed promising antiplasmodial activity, not associated to lytic properties, over erythrocyte host cells. The two species are good ground for further study of their antimalarial activity and phytochemical composition.

[学科分类] 传染病学

[关键词] Cecropia membranacea;Cecropia metensis;haemolytic activity;malaria;antimalarial     INTRODUCCIÓNLa malaria es una de las principales enfermedades parasitarias del trópico a la cual se le atribuye una importante tasa de morbilidad y mortalidad