Lantana camara L. Aqueous-methanolic Extract Provides Potent Red Blood Cell Membrane Fortification against Plasmodial Attack

Aim: The aim of our study was evaluation of the possible anti-plasmodial efficacy of Lantana camara L. extracts, with specific emphasis on its role in stabilization of the RBC membrane.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Zoology, BMT and Human Genetics, Gujarat University, Gujarat, India, between December-2014 to May- 2015.

Methodology: In the present study, we have tested the In vitro anti-plasmodial activity of aqueous-methanolic extract (fraction VIII) of leaves of Lantana camara L. against MRC-2 (CQ-sensitive) and RKL-9 (CQ-resistant) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The cytotoxicity test on HeLa cell line was evaluated using the 3-[4, 5-dimethylthyazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test in order to determine the selectivity index.

Results: According to the results, the aqueous-methanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves of Lantana camara L. manifested potent anti-oxidant activity. The fraction VIII of aqueous-methanolic extract showed 48.0±0.12% and 35.0±021% (MRC-2 and RKL-9 respectively) inhibition of entry of parasite in the RBCs at 7.81 µg concentration. Qualitative tests revealed the presence of various phytocomponents in the leaves of Lantana camara L. that may be responsible for the In-vitro activity of the plant.

Conclusion: On the basis of the study it can be concluded that leaves of L. camara L. are rich sources of a vast quanta of secondary metabolites/ phytocomponents which can provide leads to a potent prophylactic drug against malaria.