Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug used for the treatment of schistosomiasis, caused by parasitic flatworms. Extensive use of PZQ for treatment of schistosomiasis over decades raises concerns about the emergence of resistance of Schistosoma spp. to PZQ over time. This emphasizes the need to find alternate therapeutics for treatment of schistosomiasis. Medicinal plants commonly used in Kenya for the treatment of various ailments including malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea were explored for their potential antischistosomal properties. Seven medicinal plants Artemisia annua, Ajuga remota, Bridelia micrantha, Cordia africana, Physalis peruviana, Prunus africana and Senna didymobotrya were extracted with different solvents. Plant extracts were tested against S. mansoni worms to determine anti-schistosomal activity and seven extracts showed significant inhibitory activity at 100 µg/mL. This data demonstrated that these Kenyan medicinal plant extracts may lead to potential therapeutics for the treatment of schistosomiasis. Phytochemical analysis of the active extracts showed different classes of compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, and terpenes in the crude plant extracts. Progress toward the identification of the active components present in the extracts will be presented.

Isolation and biological evaluation of natural products from Kenyan medicinal plants

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.