Investigating the amoebicidal activity of Indonesian plant extracts possibly used as medicinal plants by orangutans
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| Year of publication | 2015 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
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| Description | Presenter’s Email: peterdstuart@hotmail.com Amoebiasis, the condition that results from infection with Entamoeba histolytica, is a major global health concern. Infection is common in the tropics, including South-East Asia. Infection can also occur in non-human primates and most recently has been observed in wild orangutans (Pongo sp.). Plants from Indonesia were selected to be tested for activity against E. histolytica, based on observations that orangutans were consuming them more when infected with parasitic protozoa. Methanol and Methanol:Tetrahydrofuran crude extracts were obtained from four plants: Achidendron fagifollium, Diospyros sumatra, Piper betle and Shorea sumatrana. Of these D. sumatra and P. betle showed activity against E. histolytica (IC50 <47microg/ml and IC50 <67 mikrog/ml respectively). The results support the use of these plants for dysentery by local people. They also demonstrate for the first time, that orangutans may be directly self-medicating. Preliminary trials of these plants on N. fowleri suggest further trials are warranted. |
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