Evaluation of Antitoxoplasmic Potential of Selected Antimalarial Medicinal Plants from Togo: Artemisia annua L., Jatropha curcas L., Moringa oleifera Lam., and Sarcocephalus latifolius (Smith) Bruce

Abstract

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis, a prevalent zoonotic disease, poses significant health challenges, particularly in Togo with high prevalence. Limited public awareness and suboptimal treatments necessitate exploring novel therapeutic avenues. This study investigated Togolese medicinal plants, especially those traditionally used to cure malaria, as potential sources of antitoxoplasmic agents, leveraging ethnobotanical knowledge and scientific validation for accessible drug discovery. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening quantified key groups: phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides in ethanolic extracts. In vitro biological activities were evaluated, including antioxidant capacity (AAPH & DPPH assays), cytotoxicity (UptiBlue assay), hemolytic potential, and antitoxoplasmic activity against Toxoplasma gondii in Human Foreskin Fibroblasts using the CPRG method. Cytokine secretion (TNFα, NO) from RAW264.7 macrophages was also assessed. Statistical analysis employed Kruskal‒Wallis and Tukey’s post hoc tests. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed ethanolic extracts, particularly from Artemisia annua, Moringa oleifera, and Sarcocephalus latifolius, to be rich in phenols and tannins. Jatropha curcas ethanolic extract showed high flavonoid content. In vitro assays demonstrated high antioxidant activity in ethanolic extracts, with Artemisia annua outperforming ascorbic acid in AAPH assay. Ethanolic extracts of Artemisia annua, Jatropha curcas, and Sarcocephalus latifolius exhibited significant antitoxoplasmic activity, Artemisia annua being the most potent. Discussion: This study demonstrated a correlation between phytochemical profiles and biological activities. Ethanolic extracts, abundant in phenols and tannins, displayed enhanced antioxidant and antitoxoplasmic properties, particularly in Artemisia annua. The show in vitro validation of antitoxoplasmic activity in antimalarial plants like Vernonia amygdalina and Sarcocephalus latifolius suggests pharmacological overlap. These findings highlight the synergistic value of ethnobotany and scientific methods in discovering bioactive compounds for parasitic diseases and oxidative stress, reinforcing the importance of traditional medicine and biodiversity. Conclusion: This research successfully reveal the anti-toxoplasmic potential of Togolese medicinal plants, notably, Artemisia annua, Sarcocephalus latifolius, Jatropha curcas. The results support further phytochemical investigations, in vivo validation, and clinical trials to fully realize the therapeutic potential and advocate for integrative healthcare strategies addressing global health challenges like toxoplasmosis.