Research in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

  • Abbreviation: Res. Pharm. Biotech.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2324
  • DOI: 10.5897/RPB
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 43

Full Length Research Paper

In vitro antiplasmodial and cyclin- dependent protein kinase (pfmrk) inhibitory activities of selected flavonoids in combination with chloroquine (CQ) and artemisinin

H. M. Akala
  • H. M. Akala
  • Kenya Medical Research Institute, Walter-Reed Laboratories, P. O. Box 54840 - 00100 G. P. O. Box, Nairobi, Kenya.
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C. N. Waters
  • C. N. Waters
  • Kenya Medical Research Institute, Walter-Reed Laboratories, P. O. Box 54840 - 00100 G. P. O. Box, Nairobi, Kenya.
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A. Yenesew
  • A. Yenesew
  • Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 30197 - 00100 G. P. O. Nairobi, Kenya.
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C. Wanjala
  • C. Wanjala
  • Department of Physical Sciences South Eastern University College (SEUCO) P.O.Box 170-90200, Kitui, Kenya.
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T. Ayuko Akenga
  • T. Ayuko Akenga
  • Office of the Deputy Principal (Academic Affairs), Bondo University College (BUC), P. O. Box 210-40601, Bondo, Kenya.
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  •  Accepted: 02 February 2010
  •  Published: 30 August 2010

Abstract

 

In this study, we report in vitro chloroquine (CQ) and artemisinin combination studies of eight flavonoids against Plasmodium falciparum strains. The flavonoids were previously isolated from Erythrina sp. (Family Leguminosae) growing in Kenya. Synergism was observed for chloroquine/ Sigmoidin E (5) combination at ratios of 5:1 and 3:1 respectively, while other chloroquine/flavonoids combinations showed variable response; either additive or even antagonistic effects. The artemisinin/abyssynone IV (1) combination also showed synergistic interaction at a ratio of 5:1. Further investigations revealed that Abyssinone IV (1) and Abyssinone V (2) were effective inhibitors of plasmodial growth and differentiation regulatory enzyme, pfmrk.

 

Key words: Combination studies, CQ, artemisinin, flavonoids, sigmoid E, synergism, antagonism, pfmrk.