antimalarial
activity contrary to D/M extract. Despite the fact that the pharmacokinetic
properties of the extracts have not yet been determined,
it is likely that the D/M extracts is excreted rapidly
resulting in low blood concentration of the extract before parasite
inoculation. It is also possible that the selective presence of
glycosides and terpenoids in the aqueous extract may be
responsible for its prophylactic activity. Glycosides were however
absent in D/M extract. Some glycosides and terpenoids
attack the broadest age range of parasites, from the tiniest rings
that have recently invaded erythrocytes to more mature stages of
parasites such as developing trophozoites and schizonts [17].
Their relatively broad stage-specificity of action has been reported
to extend to the ability to impede development of gametocytes
[17]. The aqueous and D/M extracts did not produce
toxicity in liver of the P. berghei-infected mice. The extracts
may be safe for malaria treatment.
The data provide evidence that stem bark extracts of
H. barteri possess antiplasmodial activity which may partly be
mediated by its antioxidant property.