In vitro antiplasmodial, anthelmintic activities and toxicological profile of the leaves, roots, and stem bark of Ficus bubu Warb

Abstract

Background: Ficus bubu is a fig tree belonging to the Moraceae family, whose leaves, roots, and stem bark contain bioactive compounds identified through qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening. While these parts are known for their antioxidant activities, scientific data on their antiplasmodial and anthelmintic activities, as well as toxicological profiles, have not yet been reported.

Methods: Acute toxicity testing was performed on all three plant parts. Additionally, subacute toxicity testing was carried out on the stem bark, which showed the most promising activities.

Results: The results revealed that the stem bark extract exhibited promising antiplasmodial activity (IC₅₀ = 9.07 µg/mL) against the 3D7 strain and good activity (IC₅₀ = 17.97 µg/mL) against the Dd2 strain. In contrast, the root extracts showed moderate activity (IC₅₀ = 21.43 µg/mL) against 3D7 and marginal potency (IC₅₀ = 63.87 µg/mL) against Dd2 strain, while leaf extracts displayed poor activity on both strains. The stem bark extract exhibited anthelmintic activity comparable to that of the reference drug praziquantel (at 500 µg/mL) while the root extract showed slightly lower activity. Furthermore, leaf extracts exhibited moderate anthelmintic activity. Acute toxicity doses of leaf, root, and bark extracts were well tolerated, with no deaths observed. Thus, with an oral LD₅₀ greater than 5000 mg/kg, the substances can be considered practically non-toxic. The stem bark extract (10B3Fb), which showed the strongest biological activity, was used for the subacute toxicity study. Observation of behavioral parameters over 28 days showed that rats remained normal throughout the study. Weight gain generally increased in all groups.

Conclusion: The stem bark extract (10B3Fb) had favorable effects on lipid regulation, liver and kidney function, as well as hematological and histological parameters in both females and males. No signs of toxicity or tissue damage were observed, confirming its safety.

 

Keywords: Ficus bubu; antiplasmodial activity; anthelmintic activity; acute toxicity; subacute toxicity.