Catechin isolated from Garcinia celebica leaves inhibit Plasmodium falciparum growth through the induction of oxidative stress

Background: Resistance of antimalarial drugs to Plasmodium falciparum has become a major concern in malaria eradication. Although it is also affected by several socioeconomic factors, a new antiplasmodial agent is needed for a global malaria control program. Objective: In this study, we attempted to uncover the antiplasmodial properties of Garcinia celebica, an Indonesian medicinal plant, along with the responsible compound and its possible mechanism. Materials and Methods: The G. celebica leaves were ethanol extracted and fractionated based on their polarity using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. The antiplasmodial activity was tested in vitro against chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum at 100 μg/ml for 72 h. The active compound of the most active ethyl acetate fraction was subsequently isolated using column chromatography and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance. Results: The IC₅₀of (+)-catechin, the characterized compound, against P. falciparum was 198 μM in 24 h and experiment. The isolated catechin inhibited P. falciparum growth in both trophozoite and schizont stages. An additional experiment also suggests that the antiplasmodial property of catechin occurs through the induction of the oxidative stress to P. falciparum. Conclusion: This result shows that the potential of catechin and its antimalarial properties should be explored further.