In vitro cytotoxicity, hemolytic effect and mineral profile assessment of extracts from two antimalarial plants in côte d’ivoire: momordica charantia and parquetina nigrescens

The aim of this study was to contribute to a better understanding of the biological and chemical properties of Momordica charantia and Parquetina nigrescens by assessing their potential toxicity, hemolytic activity, and mineral composition. Cytotoxicity tests performed on Vero and RD cell lines revealed that P. nigrescens exhibited a dose-dependent response, with mean IC₅₀ values of 51.70 ± 3.8 µg/mL (24 h), 187.23 ± 6.4 µg/mL (48 h), and 137.40 ± 5.2 µg/mL (72 h). M. charantia showed comparable cytotoxicity at 24 h (73.81 ± 4.1 µg/mL) and 48 h (74.39 ± 3.9 µg/mL), but significantly increased cytotoxicity at 72 h (24.40 ± 2.3 µg/mL), suggesting a delayed action mechanism. The hemolytic activity assessment showed very low hemolysis (<1%) for both extracts, indicating good erythrocyte tolerance up to 200 µg/mL. Mineral analysis revealed high levels of calcium (3132.69 ± 102.7 mg/kg), zinc (807.93 ± 27.6 mg/kg), iron (108.97 ± 9.1 mg/kg), and magnesium (198.30 ± 12.5 mg/kg) in P. nigrescens, supporting its potential as a complementary mineral source. In comparison, M. charantia displayed lower concentrations, particularly in iron (6.81 ± 0.7 mg/kg) and magnesium (11.76 ± 1.2 mg/kg), but remained a moderate source of potassium (307.36 ± 15.4 mg/kg). In conclusion, P. nigrescens stands out for its rich mineral profile and moderate cytotoxicity, whereas M. charantia demonstrates increased long-term cytotoxicity, along with good hemolytic tolerance. These findings support further pharmacological investigations to enhance the therapeutic potential of these medicinal plants.