Evaluation of the antimalarial effect of Ferulago angulata (Schlecht.) Boiss. extract and suberosin epoxide against Plasmodium berghei in comparison with chloroquine using in vivo test

Resistance to most antimalarial drugs has encouraged the development of novel drugs. An alternative source for discovering such drugs is natural products. Some Ferulago species are used in folk medicine for their sedative, tonic and anti-parasitic effects. Besides, coumarins isolated from this genus found to have in vitro anti-leishmanicidal effect. The present study is aimed to evaluate the in vivo antimalarial activity of Ferulago angulata (Schlecht.) Boiss. extract and suberosin epoxide, using suarian mice.
A rodent malaria parasite, Plasmodium berghei was used to inoculate healthy male Swiss Albino mice of age 6-8 weeks and weight 23-27 g. Hydro-alcoholic extract of F. angulata (20, 100, 300, 600 mg/kg) and suberosin epoxide suspension (10, 30, 50, 100 mg/kg) were administered subcutaneously. Parameters including percentage of parasitemia, suppression of parasitemia and mean survival time were determined using standard test such as peter٬s.
Chemo-protective effects were exerted by the crude extract and suberosin epoxide. Maximum effect was observed with the larger doses of the crude extract and suberosin epoxide. Suberosin epoxide increased the survival time compared to chloroquine.
The results indicate that the plant has a promising anti-plasmodial activity against plasmodium berghei. Thus, it could be considered as a potential source of new antimalarial agents. Suberosin epoxide at the dose of 100 mg/kg possess relatively significant antimalarial effect. Chemical derivatization of the parent compound or preparation of the modified formulation is required to improve its systemic bioavailability.