flavonoids, glycosides and saponins in both fractions could be
responsible for the observed curative antiplasmodial activities
of the two extracts but further experiments are needed to
confirm this hypothesis. Some alkaloids that act against
malaria parasites inhibit protein synthesis by intercalating with
DNA of the parasite [13,14]. In addition, saponin, flavonoids
and tannins have been suggested to act as primary antioxidants
or free radical scavengers that can counteract the oxidative
damage induced by the malaria parasite [15]. Numerous studies
have implicated oxidative stress in several pathological
conditions such as stroke, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and so
on. Apart from their detrimental effects, free radicals are also
involved in cellular signaling and as carriers for iron
requirement needed by parasites for survival in a host. Iron is
a crucial nutrient for survival and replication of