Bioactive Constituents and Inhibitory Effects of Methanolic Extract of Acacia nilotica against Plasmodium Trophozoites and Schizonts

Abstract

Acacia nilotica is traditionally used for various ailments, though its anti-malarial properties require scientific validation. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and antiplasmodial activity of its 50% methanolic seed extract. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were conducted using standard protocols. Antioxidant activity was evaluated via ABTS and DPPH assays, while anti-malarial efficacy was assessed in vitro against Plasmodium parasites. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of anthraquinones, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids. Quantitative analysis showed high concentrations of saponins (77.07%), flavonoids (62.12%), and alkaloids (15.2%). The extract demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity, with ABTS inhibition ranging from 49.5% to 15.5% across concentrations. Anti-malarial assessment revealed dose-dependent schizont inhibition, achieving 63.63% at 100 µg/mL, comparable to artemether (88.10% viability at same concentration). Acacia nilotica seed extract is rich in bioactive compounds, particularly saponins and flavonoids, with significant anti-malarial potential through schizont inhibition. These findings support its ethnomedicinal use and warrant further investigation for novel anti-malarial lead compounds.