In vivo antiplasmodial activity of ZS-2A: a fraction from chloroform extract of Zizyphus spina-christi root bark against Plasmodium berghei berghei in mice

Abstract

Zizyphus spina-christi is used in ethnomedical practice for the treatment of fever. Bio-assay guided investigation of the plant's root bark was initiated and ZS-2A, a fraction from the chloroform extract of the material, eluted with hexane-ethylacetate (50:50) using flash column chromatography, was evaluated for in vivo antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium berghei in mice. Four-day suppressive, curative effect against established infection and prophylactic models of antiplasmodial studies were used. The fraction (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) showed a potent activity against the parasite in the suppressive and curative tests. The result suggests that ZS-2A may be a promising agent for malaria treatment.