The present invention relates to a novel bioactive water fraction obtained from the leaves of an herb named Gomphostema niveum commonly found in North Eastern part of India, and which is useful for inhibiting the growth of malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The present invention also relates to a method for the extraction of said bioactive fraction. The present invention also provides methods for treatment of malaria using such bioactive water fractions and use of such bioactive water fractions for the treatment of malaria.