Ethnopharmacological communication

Simalikalactone D is responsible for the antimalarial properties of an amazonian traditional remedy made with Quassia amara L. (Simaroubaceae)

• S. Bertania,
• E. Houëlb,
• D. Stienb,
• L. Chevolotc,
• V. Julliand,
• G. Garavitoe,
• G. Bourdyf,
• E. Deharo

Abstract

French Guiana (North-East Amazonia) records high malaria incidence rates. The traditional antimalarial remedy most widespread there is a simple tea made out from Quassia amara L. leaves (Simaroubaceae). This herbal tea displays an excellent antimalarial activity both in vitro and in vivo. A known quassinoid, simalikalactone D (SkD), was identified as the active compound, with an IC50 value of 10 nM against FcB1 Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistant strain in vitro. Lastly, it inhibits 50% of Plasmodium yoelii yoelii rodent malaria parasite at 3.7 mg/kg/day in vivo by oral route. These findings confirm the traditional use of this herbal tea.

Keywords

• Antimalarial;
• Quassia amara;
• Quassinoids;
• Simalikalactone D;
• Traditional medicine