Osteoprotective Effects and In Silico Profiling of Parinari curatellifolia Planch. Ex Benth. (Chrysobalanaceae) Extract on Acute Plasmodium berghei ‐Compromised Rat Bone

Abstract

Parinari curatellifolia leaves and stem bark are traditionally used, to treat both malaria and bone disorders. This work aimed at investigating the osteoformative effects of the P. curatellifolia aqueous leaves and bark mixture extract on malaria-induced bone alterations. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity of the extract was assessed on Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 and Dd2. The phytochemical characterization of the extract and its fractions was carried out using LC-MS technique. The in vivo study was evaluated using Plasmodium berghei ANKA-induced malaria and bone disorders. Parasitemia was monitored, and hematological, biochemical, immunological, and histopathological parameters were assessed. The docking study was performed on Pf20S, TyrRS, MyD88, and RANKL using the Molecular Operating Environment 14. The extract exhibited in vitro antiplasmodial activity on P. falciparum 3D7 and Dd2 strains. The LC-MS analysis of the extract and fractions revealed several peaks, of which 12 were characterized. The extract reduced parasitemia (p < 0.001), improved hematological parameters, corrected malaria-induced bone damage by increasing (p < 0.001) bone osteocalcin, TGF-β1, ALP activity, mineralization, as well as reversing Plasmodium-induced inflammation. Likewise, the identified compounds exhibited strong inhibitory binding potential. These findings support the ability of the extract to correct malaria-related bone disorders by acting as an antiplasmodial, osteoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant agent.