V2I8P47

In Vitro Sohlex Extraction of Anti-Microbial Activities of Plasmodium in Parkia Biglobosa (Leaves) Sourced in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Arashiya Jerry^1*, Anyira-Fasanmi Mary Ifeoma²

Abstract

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with rising resistance to synthetic antimalarial drugs necessitating the search for alternative therapies from medicinal plants. This study investigated the in vitro Soxhlet extraction and antiplasmodial activity of Parkia biglobosa (leaves) sourced in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Leaves were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using methanol, ethanol, hexane, and water as solvents. The crude extracts were screened for phytochemicals and tested against Plasmodium falciparum using the in vitro schizont maturation inhibition assay. Results showed that methanolic and ethanolic extracts exhibited the strongest antiplasmodial activity, with inhibition rates of 83.6% and 78.2% respectively at 200 µg/mL, and IC₅₀ values of 12.4 µg/mL and 15.1 µg/mL. Aqueous extracts demonstrated moderate activity (62.5% inhibition, IC₅₀ = 28.7 µg/mL), while hexane extracts showed the least activity (41.3% inhibition, IC₅₀ = 46.9 µg/mL). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds, which are known for their antimalarial and antioxidant properties. These findings validate the traditional use of Parkia biglobosa leaves in malaria treatment and highlight its potential as a source of bioactive compounds for new antimalarial drug development. Further toxicological, in vivo, and bioassay-guided fractionation studies are recommended to confirm its safety and optimize therapeutic use.

Keywords:

Parkia biglobosa, Soxhlet extraction, antiplasmodial activity, phytochemicals, malaria, Zaria, Nigeria