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A simple, straightforward and efficient synthesis of 6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinoline, a natural product isolated from leaves of Justicia betonica, is achieved through a pivalic acid-assisted one-pot alkylation–dehydration–cyclization–aromatization approach. This synthesis constitutes a formal approach toward a biologically important alkaloid neocryptolepine.

Ethnopharmacological relevance The aim of the survey was to document medicinal plants used in malaria treatment by Prometra (Promocion de la medicina tradicional amazonica) Traditional Medical Practitioners (TMPs) of Uganda and for search of new antiplasmodial herbal medicines (HMs) for further phytochemical analysis. Materials and methods In this study, semi structured guided open and close ended questionnaires were used. Focus group discussions were conducted and key informants were chosen within the TMPs who helped in further discussions of how the herbal remedies where collected, prepared and administered. Results A sample size of 51 respondents was randomly selected among the TMPs with the help of their leader. 86 species distributed over 81 genera and 39 families were reportedly being used as herbal remedies in malaria treatment. The TMPs use symptoms like high temperature, shivering, among others in malaria diagnosis an indication that they understand malaria. They emphasized the use of leaves and bark in treatment because they can regenerate and therefore ensure sustainable use of plants rather than the use of roots which would be destructive. These TMPS treat and also advise their patients on preventive measures against malaria attacks like sleeping under mosquito nets, clearing bushes near homesteads, among others which is an indication that they help in the prevention and mitigation of malaria incidences and prevalence in the areas where they live. The Informant Consensus Factor (FIC) value of 0.8 demonstrated that the TMPs of Prometra-Uganda tend to agree with each other in terms of the plant species they use in malaria treatment an indication of quality control in as far as administration of the herbal remedies. Vernonia amygdalina Delile, Bidens pilosa L., Justicia betonica L. were highly cited as being used in malaria treatment with frequencies of mention of 38, 28 and 25, respectively. Conclusion TMPs of Prometra-Uganda understand and treat malaria using the available plant diversity from their huge forest and the herbal gardens within Buyija forest. The healers are very keen at plant conservation which is a good practice. Species like Justica betonica may be investigated further for antiplasmodial assays to justify its efficacy.

Malaria is a fatal disease caused by different Plasmodium species of parasites and has remained the major killer of humans worldwide especially the children under five years of age and pregnant women. In this study, the anti-Plasmodia activities of the crude leaf ether extracts of Aloe dawei (AD) and Justicia betonica (JB) on Plasmodium falciparum were investigated, with chloroquine diphosphate as a positive control. The results showed that ether extracts of JB had EC50 of 13.36 (95% CI: 8.032 to 22.23) µg/ml and AD had 7.965 (95% CI: 3.557 to 17.84) µg/ml. The chloroquine diphosphate had EC50 of 24.86 (95% CI: 9.239 to 66.89) µg/ml. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of the ether extract showed that JB contains steroids and triterpenoids, alkaloids and saponins while AD contained steroids and triterpenoids, anthraquinolones, alkaloids and saponins. The results provides evidence that JB and AD contain compounds with anti-P. falciparum activity and hence their use by the traditional herbalist and local communities in treatment of malaria. Key words: Anti-Plasmodium falciparum, activity, EC50, Aloe dawei, Justicia betonica.

Aim of study We performed an ethnobotanical study of plants used to treat malaria in Nyakayojo sub-county in south western Uganda because malaria in this region, and in Uganda at large, is still the single most important reason for ill health and mortality. Two of the most vulnerable groups affected by malaria are young children and pregnant women and plants are commonly used in their treatment. Materials and methods Twenty-eight traditional birth attendants were interviewed about how they used plants to treat malaria. Review of the literature available on all species identified was undertaken. Results Altogether 56 plant species were used by the informants, 48 of which have been identified to species level. Thirty-two (67%) of the species used by the respondents are documented for antimalarial use in other studies, and nearly half (44%) have documented anti-plasmodial activity. Fifty-five percent of the species were used by 2 or more of the respondents. The most commonly used species were Vernonia amygdalina, the indigenous Aloe species, Justicia betonica, Vernonia adoensis and Tithonia diversifolia. It was common to use more than one plant in a recipe (43%). The respondents had good knowledge of the symptom of malaria, and fairly good understanding of the causes. Conclusion The interviews show that the group of traditional birth attendants has an extensive and diverse knowledge on plants used in the treatment of malaria. The literature survey may indicate a possible explanation for the use of several plants.