The effect of an anti-malarial herbal remedy, Maytenus senegalensis, on electrocardiograms of healthy Tanzanian volunteers

• Published in: Malaria Journal
• Main Authors: Kamaka R. Kassimu, Ali M. Ali, Justin J. Omolo, Abel Mdemu, Francis Machumi, Billy Ngasala
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2024
• Subjects: Electrocardiographic effects; Herbal remedy; Healthy volunteer; M. senegalensis; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Infectious and parasitic diseases; RC109-216; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-024-04935-w; https://doaj.org/article/23218810f0ac45309e807f4d12b942a3

Abstract Background The emergence of resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapy necessitates the search for new, more potent antiplasmodial compounds, including herbal remedies. The whole extract of Maytenus senegalensis has been scientifically investigated for potential biological activities both in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating strong antimalarial activity. However, there is a lack of data on the electrocardiographic effects of M. senegalensis in humans, which is a crucial aspect in the investigation of malaria treatment. Assessing the electrocardiographic effects of M. senegalensis is essential, as many anti-malarial drugs can inadvertently prolong the QT interval on electrocardiograms. Therefore, the study's objective was to evaluate the electrocardiographic effects of M. senegalensis in healthy adult volunteers. Methods This study is a secondary analysis of an open-label single-arm dose escalation. Twelve healthy eligible Tanzanian males, aged 18 to 45, were enrolled in four study dose groups. A single 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed at baseline and on days 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56. Results No QTcF adverse events occurred with any drug dose. Only one volunteer who received the highest dose (800 mg) of M. senegalensis experienced a moderate transient change (△QTcF > 30 ms; specifically, the value was 37 ms) from baseline on day 28. There was no difference in maximum QTcF and maximum △QTcF between volunteers in all four study dose groups. Conclusions A four-day regimen of 800 mg every 8 h of M. senegalensis did not impact the electrocardiographic parameters in healthy volunteers. This study suggests that M. senegalensis could be a valuable addition to malaria treatment, providing a safer alternative and potentially aiding in the battle against artemisinin-resistant malaria. The results of this study support both the traditional use and the modern therapeutic potential of M. senegalensis. They also set the stage for future research involving larger and more diverse populations to ...