Callus Culture as an Alternative Source of Secondary Metabolites in Curtailing Malaria Epidemic
Daniel Thakuma Tizhe *
Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
Gali Adamu Ishaku
Department of Biotechnology, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria.
Afiniki Yohanna
Department of Mathematics, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria.
Dashe Dentsen Fortune
Department of Agriculture and Bio-Environmental Engineering, Plateau State Polytechnic, Nigeria.
Aisha Salihu Jibrin
Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Malaria remains a threat to public healthcare system. In 2018, more than 200 million people were exposed to this disease globally. There have been reports of drug-resistance in the recommended therapy in some endemic regions. This called for relentless efforts in the search for potential antimalarial compounds.
An in vitro culture technique has emerged as a promising option for sustainable and industrial propagation of plant bioactive compounds with wide range of medicinal properties. The demand for these invaluable metabolites is witnessing a continuous increase as a folk medicine, hence, endangering their existence in natural habitats. Besides its use in natural form, the nature’s gift to humans seems to be restricted and limited by environmental conditions. An in vitro culture approach remains the most viable and sustainable alternative for the endangered plant species. Here, we present some plant species reported to have potential antimalarial activities and recommend further study through callus culture induction against malaria.
Keywords: Malaria, callus culture, secondary metabolites, treatment