Evaluation of the Prophylactic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Ricinus communis L. against Plasmodium berghei in Mice

Abstract

The continuous quest to annihilate the scourge of malaria parasites and the need for exploration of new drugs for the ever endemic killer disease opens the way for continued research. In the present study, ethanolic extract of Ricinus communis leaves was evaluated for possible antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei (NK65) infections in mice. Prophylactic antimalarial activity of the extract was investigated to determine the efficacy of the extract. Phytochemical screening of the extract was conducted with the view to elucidating the feasible mechanism of the antimalarial potentials. It was established from our findings that 141.42mg/kg was the acute oral toxicity (LD50) of the ethanolic extract of Ricinus communis in mice. Consequently, three doses of the extract (10mg/kg, 20mg/kg and 40mg/kg) were prepared. A remarkable antimalarial activity was portrayed by the three doses of the extract with 10mg/kg dose having the highest percentage suppression of 58.7%. Result of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of chemical compounds noted for their antiplasmodial activities such as alkaloids and flavonoids. The leaves extract of Ricinus communis thus possess antimalarial activity. It is therefore recommended for consideration in further researches on new anti-malarial drug development.