Pharmaceutical Reports
Vol 5, No 1 (2026): (March) Pharmaceutical Reports

Antiplasmodial Activity of Psidium guajava L. Leaf Fractions against Plasmodium falciparum

Saidu, Ahmad (Unknown)
Hassan, Yusuf (Unknown)
Sani, Abubakar (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Mar 2026

Abstract

Malaria remains a major global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where resistance to conventional antimalarial drugs continues to rise. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of Psidium guajavaL. leaf fractions against Plasmodium falciparum. Dried leaves were extracted using ethanol and subsequently fractionated into n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and ethanol fractions. Phytochemical screening using standard reagents revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins in all fractions, while tannins were detected only in the ethyl acetate and ethanol fractions. Antiplasmodial activity was assessed using the Giemsa staining method. All fractions demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of parasite growth, with the ethanol fraction exhibiting the highest activity, achieving 84.38% inhibition at a concentration of 10.5 mg/mL. This activity was comparable, although slightly lower, than that of the standard drug artemether/lumefantrine, which showed 95.31% inhibition. The superior activity of the ethanol fraction is likely attributed to its higher content of polar bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids and tannins, which are known for their antiplasmodial properties. In conclusion, P. guajava leaf fractions, especially the ethanol fraction, exhibit significant antiplasmodial activity, supporting their traditional use in malaria treatment. These findings highlight the potential of P. guajava as a promising source of natural antimalarial agents and warrant further pharmacological and mechanistic studies.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

PharmRep

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Chemistry Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Pharmaceutical Reports is a peer-reviewed journal published by the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, which was first published in 2022. We published two times a year in January-June and July-December. Our mission is to advance the science ...