The acetone crude extract of Quercus infectoria (Olivier) galls alters pH of the digestive vacuole of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum
https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.38.2.035
- Author:
Nik Mat Zin, N.N.I.
1
;
Ibrahim, N.
1
;
Zakaria, Y.
1
;
Abu-Bakar, N.
1
Author Information
1. School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Quercus infectoria;
crude extract;
Plasmodium falciparum;
pH;
digestive vacuole
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2021;38(No.2):40-47
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The reduced efficacy of the mainstay antimalarial drugs due to the widespread of drugresistant
Plasmodium falciparum has necessitated efforts to discover new antimalarial drugs
with new targets. Quercus infectoria (Olivier) has long been used to treat various ailments
including fever. The acetone extract of the plant galls has recently been reported to have a
promising antimalarial activity in vitro. This study was aimed to determine the effect of the
Q. infectoria gall acetone crude extract on pH of the digestive vacuole of Plasmodium falciparum.
A ratiometric fluorescent probe, fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-dextran) was used
to facilitate a quantitative measurement of the digestive vacuole pH by flow cytometry. Mid
trophozoite stage malaria parasites grown in resealed erythrocytes containing FITC-dextran
were treated with different concentrations of the acetone extract based on the 50% inhibitory
concentration (IC50). Saponin-permeabilized parasites were analyzed to obtain the ratio of
green/yellow fluorescence intensity (Rgy) plotted as a function of pH in a pH calibration
curve of FITC-dextran. Based on the pH calibration curve, the pH of the digestive vacuole of
the acetone extract-treated parasites was significantly altered (pH values ranged from 6.35-
6.71) in a concentration-dependent manner compared to the untreated parasites (pH = 5.32)
(p < 0.001). This study provides a valuable insight into the potential of the Q. infectoria galls
as a promising antimalarial candidate with a novel mechanism of action.
- Full text:8.2021my1235.pdf
