Antiplasmodial Principles from<i>Cassia nigricans</i>.

Abstract

The methanol extract of Cassia nigricans. Vahl. (Caesalpinaceae) was investigated for its antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum.. The in vitro. activity against P. falciparum. strain K1 was assessed using the parasite lactate dehydrogenase assay method. The main antiplasmodial principle, 1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methyl-9,10-anthracenedione, has been isolated from C. nigricans. (whole plant) for the first time. This was found to have in vitro. activity against P. falciparum.. This finding supports the traditional use of the plant for the treatment of malaria.