EVALUATION OF ANTIPLASMODIAL ACTIVITIES AND SUBCHRONIC TOXICITY OF CYSTEINE PROTEASE INHIBITORS FROM MORINGA OLEIFERA

Abstract

Plasmodium Cysteine Protease of is a key enzyme in the life cycle of this parasite.Different extraction media were used to evaluate leaves,root,flowers,seeds and stem bark of Moringa oleifera for Cysteine Protease inhibitory activity against Papain enzyme. Sodium phosphate buffer extract of Seeds of Moringa oleifera with highest Protease inhibitory activity was concentrated by cold acetone precipitation and freeze dried as crude inhibitor protein extract.The effect of this extract on subchronic toxicity studies in mice was carried out. Inhibition of Plasmodium berghei Cysteine Protease and invivo Plasmodium berghei infected mice by this extract in graded doses of 20,50 and 70mg/kg body weight were also evaluated.The crude extract showed inhibitory activity against Cysteine protease of Plasmodium berghei with IC50 value of 18.20 µg/ml . In invivo model, the highest level of parasitemia suppression of 57% was observed in 70 mg/kg body weight of the crude inhibitor extract.Subchronic toxicity of the extract at all concentrated used for treatment revealed statistical significant elevation of Body weight of mice and Triacylglycerol level,while at 50 and 70mg/kg body weight concentration there was significant increase in Glucose concentration.Total protein and Alanine transaminase were found to be elevated at extract concentration of 50mg/kg body weight, but no significant changes were observed in Packed cell volume, Aspartate transaminase and Alkaline phosohate enzyme. Crude cysteine protease inhibitor from Seeds of Moringa oleifera is active against plasmodium Cysteine Protease and in rodent malaria model