Antiplasmodial Effect of a Crude Extract of the Leaves of Xylopia Parviflora (Benth) On Plasmodium Yoelli Infection in Mice Fed Supplemented Dietary Pellets

Abstract

The antiplasmodial activity of the leaves of Xylopia parviflora (Benth, L, FAM: Annonaceae) was evaluated in dietary-controlled mice models. Mice were fed on pellets containing varying nutrient constituents for 21 days and thereafter inoculated with Plasmodium yoelii parasites. Results obtained showed that mice fed with normal pellets responded to treatment with chloroquine 5mg/kg and extract 100 and 200mg/kg of body weight with suppression of 90.52, 70.23 and 86.90% respectively as compared to those fed on protein-deficient and palm oil-supplemented pellets. There was significant decrease in mean parasitized erythrocytes count in mice that were fed with normal food pellets compared to that of control 96hrs after treatment with chloroquine, 5 mg/kg and extract 200 mg/kg (P 0.05) but significant in those that received chloroquine treatment (P<0.05).Parasitaemia was highest in mice that were fed with protein-deficient pellets 72hrs after inoculation. After stopping treatment, all mice treated with chloroqune in all groups survived 28 days. A similar observation was made with the extract at 200mg/kg, except in mice fed protein deficient pellets where survival dropped to 60%. Based on these observations, we submit that that the extract of Xylopia parviflora may possess some antiplasmodial activities. We also suggest the need for increase protein supplementations and restriction of palm oil intake for effective pharmacological interventions in malaria therapy.