Anti-Plasmodial Activity of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Derived from Moringa Oleifera Stem Bark and Root Extracts

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, requires a comprehensive treatment strategy, involving the use of phytochemicals, marine organisms, synthetic substances, and nanomaterials. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are increasingly attracting attention in medical research because of their biocompatibility, facile degradation, and minimal toxicity. This work presents the results of biosynthesis of IONPs from the extracts of Moringa oleifera stem bark and roots, regions that have been relatively unexplored despite their recognized medicinal properties. Characterization of the IONPs was conducted through SEM, XRD, FTIR, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis exhibited distinctive absorption peaks, with IONPsSTEM peaking at 300 nm and IONPsROOT ranging between 300–400 nm. The FTIR spectra illustrated characteristic bands assigned to Fe-O, C=O, and O-H. Examination of SEM images unveiled agglomerates of flattened spherical and spindle-shaped hematite, corroborated by EDX and XRD data. The antiplasmodial efficacy of both variants of IONPs demonstrated moderate effectiveness against Plasmodium parasites, surpassing the crude extracts of the stem and root extracts, albeit falling short of the efficacy of Artemether.