Plasmodium is a genus of unicellular microorganisms that cause malaria and infections. Biologists have investigated chemical compounds and natural extracts with potential antiplasmodial activity that can offer valuable alternatives in the treatment of malaria and other plasmodial diseases. Antiplasmodial screening protocols include tests with plant extracts, such as the Mexican marigold, as well as with chemical compounds such as phenylbenzofurans and phenethyl-4-aminopiperidine.
Of Tagetes Erecta Roots
Central and South Americans have traditionally used Tagetes erecta, also called Mexican marigold, to treat various diseases, including malaria. This protocol tests the antiplasmodial activity of the plant's roots extract, which contains a bithienyl compound. Technicians prepare five separate extracts, adding root samples to petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and water, according to "Pharmaceutical Biology." Later, they analyze the effect of each solution on the resistant strains of Plasmodium at the schizont stage, which is when it is dividing in many other cells.
With Phenethyl-4-Aminopiperidine
Phenethyl-4-aminopiperidine is a chemical compound used to test antiplasmodial activity, including Plasmodium falciparum, which causes malaria. The Anopheles mosquito transmits this microorganism to humans. Before testing the effects of this chemical compound, technicians add dimethyl sulfoxide to Plasmodium cultures, which are incubated in a medium containing 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid or HEPES, sodium bicarbonate, the antibiotic neomycin, the protein albumin and human red blood cells, according to "Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy."
With Phenylbenzofurans
Phenylbenzofurans are compounds with antiprotozoal activity against organisms of the genus Plasmodium, among others. According to the "Journal of Medicinal Chemistry," the protocol to assess antiplasmodial properties of phenylbenzofurans involves in vitro testing of the Plasmodium falciparum life span under these components. This antiplasmodial screening also consists of later comparison with established malaria drugs such as artemisinin.
Tags: antiplasmodial activity, chemical compound, chemical compounds, Mexican marigold, Plasmodium falciparum
