Abstract:
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
600mg/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 400mg/kg and (𝑝 < 0.001) for
600mg/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.
