A Study on Justicia flava (Forssk.) Vahl.: Pharmacognostic Characterization and Antiplasmodial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of the Leaves

Abstract

Justicia fava (Acanthaceae) is utilized in folk medicine for treating malaria, infammatory conditions, and respiratory infections. In this study, the antiplasmodial and anti-infammatory activities of the 70% hydroalcoholic leaf extract of J. fava (JFE) were investigated. Te antiplasmodial activity was assessed by the suppressive test and Rane’s curative test. Te carrageenan-induced paw oedema assay in chicks was used to assess the anti-infammatory activity. In Rane’s curative test, JFE signifcantly suppressed the parasitaemia level (p < 0.0001) by 56.85%, 63.85%, and 77.85% at 30, 100, and 300 mg·kg−1, respectively. Te highest suppression of parasitaemia in the suppressive test was 51.31% at 300 mg·kg−1. Te extract prolonged the survival time of infected mice signifcantly and prevented weight loss and hypothermia which are cardinal signs of P. berghei-induced infection. JFE inhibited foot oedema in chicks with a maximum percentage inhibition of 54.00 ± 5.20%. Pharmacognostic characterization of J. fava revealed it to have simple, petiolate, oppositely arranged leaves which are broadly lanceolate in shape with entire to slightly crenate margins. Microscopy of the leaf showed wavy-walled epidermal cells, diallelocytic stomata, abundant clothing and secretory trichomes, pitted vessels, collateral conjoint vascular bundles, cystoliths, and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals. Flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols, triterpenoids, coumarins, alkaloids, and saponins were detected in the plant. Tis study has provided important parameters for the correct identifcation of J. fava and given the scientifc credence to its antimalarial and anti-infammatory efects in traditional medicine. J. fava is a potential source of new antimalarial and anti-infammatory compounds.