Antiplasmodial activity of the n-Hexane extract from pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex. Fr) P. Kumm.

Objectives: Several mushrooms species have been reported to be nematophagous and antiprotozoan. This study reported the antiplasmodial and cytotoxic properties of the n-hexane extract from the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus and the isolation of a sterol from the extract. Materials and Methods: Antiplasmodial and cytotoxicity assays were done in vitro using the plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase assay and human HeLa cervical cell lines, respectively. The structure of the isolated compound from the n-hexane extract was elucidated using spectroscopic techniques. Results: The n-hexane extract (yield: 0.93% w/w) showed dose dependent antiplasmodial activity with the trend in parasite inhibition of: chloroquine (IC ₅₀ =0.016 μg/mL) > n-hexane extract (IC ₅₀ =25.18 μg/mL). It also showed mild cytotoxicity (IC ₅₀ >100 μg/mL; selectivity index >4) compared to the reference drug emetine (IC ₅₀ =0.013 μg/mL). The known sterol, ergostan-5,7,22-trien-3-ol, was isolated and characterized from the extract. Conclusion: This study reporting for the first time the antiplasmodial activity of P. ostreatus revealed its nutraceutical potential in the management of malaria.