Synthesis, Characterization, and Anti-malarial Efficacy of Novel Quinine-Based Transition Metal Complexes

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 3, No. 11, November 2012 | pp. 106–113

DOI: 10.46882/2012/IJC/000050

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Synthesis, Characterization, and Anti-malarial Efficacy of Novel Quinine-Based Transition Metal Complexes

Names of Authors: A. A. Yusuf¹, M. T. Garba²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
²Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Abstract: The development of drug resistance by Plasmodium falciparum strains has created an urgent need to modify classic antimalarial scaffolds to enhance their clinical efficacy. This study details the synthesis and molecular characterization of novel copper(II), zinc(II), and iron(II) complexes coordinated with quinine ligands. The synthesized metal-drug complexes were characterized using elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic moment measurements, and FT-IR spectroscopy. Analytical data established a 1:1 metal-to-drug ratio for all synthesized entities, conforming to a general structural formula of [M(Q)Cl₂], where Q represents the neutral quinine molecule. FT-IR spectra established that quinine behaves as a bidentate ligand, coordinating to the metal centers via the quinoline nitrogen and the secondary hydroxyl oxygen atoms. In vivo antimalarial evaluation was conducted against Plasmodium berghei infected mice using the 4-day suppressive test. Oral administration of the copper(II)-quinine complex at a dose of 20 mg/kg produced a 92.4% reduction in parasitemia levels, outperforming standalone uncoordinated quinine (74.5%). This enhanced clearance is attributed to increased lipophilicity upon chelation, which facilitates metal-drug penetration across the erythrocyte membrane.

Keywords: Quinine; Metal complexes; Parasitemia clearance; FT-IR spectroscopy; Plasmodium berghei; Chelation therapy

Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 20, 2011; Revised: November 28, 2011; Accepted: December 15, 2011; Published: November 02, 2012.

Citation: Yusuf, A. A., & Garba, M. T. (2012). Synthesis, Characterization, and Anti-malarial Efficacy of Novel Quinine-Based Transition Metal Complexes. International Journal of Chemistry, 3(11), 106–113.

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