In vitro antimalarial and cytotoxic activities of sauropus androgynus leaves extracts

Malaria is one of the tropical diseases that have worldwide implications, especially in developing countries. Medicinal plants have served as a potential source for the future of antimalarial drugs. The leaves of Sauropus androgynus is known for its antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and wound healing effects. The leaves of S. androgynus have been consumed as food for its nutritive values. However, the antimalarial compound(s) from its leaves has not been reported before. This research aims to investigate the in vitro antimalarial activities of the n-hexane, chloroform, and 96% ethanol extracts of S. androgynus leaves, as well as to study the cytotoxic activity of the extracts. The leaves of S. androgynus were successively extracted with n-hexane, chloroform, and 96% ethanol in order of increasing polarity. The antimalarial activity used Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain (chloroquine-sensitive). The cytotoxicity assay used Huh7it cells with tetrazolium based colorimetric method. After cell viability was performed, the cytotoxicity value can be determined. The chloroform, n-hexane, and 96% ethanol extracts showed antimalarial activity with IC₅₀ values of 0.85 µg/mL, 1.23 µg/mL, and 1.88 µg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, the cytotoxic results of chloroform, n-hexane, and 96% ethanol extracts were 136.00 µg/mL, 766.56 µg/mL, and 896.07 µg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the research indicates that the chloroform extract of S. androgynus leaves has potential for use as antimalarial agents.