J.M.Ngutaa*, J.M.Mbariaa, D.W.Gakuyaa, P.K.Gathumbia, J.D.Kabasab, S.G.Kiamaa

aUniversity of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya bMakerere University, Kampala, Uganda

Malaria is the single most cause of ill health, death and poverty in sub-saharan Africa

There are as many as 300 m acute cases of malaria worldwide each year, resulting in 1m deaths

90% of these deaths occur in sub-saharan Africa, and majority of victims are children aged less than 5 yrs

Malaria is a major obstacle to social economic growth in Africa, accounting for 40% of public health expenditure

Nguta et al, 2010. Journal of Ethno pharmacology

In Kenya, 22M people are at risk, 70% of them are in rural areas

About 34,000 Kenyan children die every year from malaria compared to a total estimate of 42,000 people dead

80% of people worldwide are estimated to use herbal remedies against common diseases including malaria.

However, few data are available on their safety.

The current study was designed to evaluate the acute toxicity of crude plant extracts used against malaria in Kenya in Artemia salina larvae

Study site (Msambweni district)

Preparation of extracts Aqueous Organic (CHCL3/MeOH, 1:1) –Cold

maceration

Acute toxicity determination The procedure of Meyer et al (1982), was

adopted for LC50 determination

Only 24% of the aqueous crude extracts used against malaria in Msambweni, Kenya are safe

Only 4.5% of organic extracts screened were found be safe in brine shrimp lethality assay

Majority of crude extracts could not make safe antimalarials

Further antimalarial and phytochemical work is underway

Carnegie Corporation of New York through RISE-AFNNET (for funding)

RISE-AFNNET colleagues ICOPHAI 2011 organizing committee for a

travel grant and invitation University of Nairobi (Granting paid leave) ICOPHAI 2011 Participants (For their

attention). AHSANTENI SANA!