The mechanism of action might be due to the inhibition of P. falciparum merozoites invasion into the erythrocytes[31] and disruption of P. falciparum rosettes[32] by the carbohydrates; inhibition of P. falciparum fatty acid biosynthesis[33], inhibition of hemozoin biocrystallization by the alkaloids[34], inhibition of protein synthesis by triterpenoids[35], inhibition of 毬-haematin formation[36], decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA fragmentation and cytoplasmic acidification by steroids[37].
It is concluded from the present study that, ethanolic extracts from Ocimum species were shown for the first time to display in vitro antiplasmodial activity and warranted further investigation as potential sources of antiplasmodial agents.