Anti-parasitic activity of Malaysian fern

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Lee Ping Chin, Norhaniza Johansah, Jualang Azlan Gansau, How Siew Eng, Suhaini Sudi, Amatul Hamizah Ali, Noor Embi and Hasidah Mohd Sidek

University Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
National University of Malaysia, Malaysia

: J Forensic Toxicol Pharmacol

Abstract

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Gleichenia truncata (Willd.) is a fern and is known for its traditional use to alleviate fever among the indigenous communities in Asia. This study evaluated the crude extracts of this fern for anti-parasitic activity. The leaves of G. truncata were collected and grounded to powder. It was then soaked overnight in 99.9% (v/v) methanol, in a ratio of 1:5 (v/v). The extracts were filtered and concentrated using a rotary evaporator to yield concentrated crude methanolic extract of the plant. The crude methanolic extract was tested on growth inhibitory assay using Plasmodium falciparum, an agent causing malaria. We have used a murine malarial infection model to perform the assay. G. truncata methanolic extract showed growth inhibitory activity against the parasite P. falciparum. Further fractionation and purification of the extract had suggested the presence of p-coumaric acid methyl ester. The findings provide scientific basis for the ethnomedicinal use of G. truncata to treat malaria.

Biography

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Lee Ping Chin is an Assistant Professor at University Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia. Her areas of expertise are in bacteriology, gene isolation and genomic studies. Her research interests are in the studies of signal transduction, cloning, cancer genetics, tropical diseases and molecular genetics.

E-mail: leepingchin2010@gmail.com