Chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium Berghei Research Articles

Enhancing impact of <i>Prosopis africana</i> fraction on biochemical indices and oxidative balance in <i>Plasmodium berghei</i>-infected mice

This study addresses the ongoing global health challenge of malaria by exploring the therapeutic potential of the Prosopis africana fraction in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Using 42 male mice divided into six groups, including a control group, infected groups without treatment, infected treated with 20 mg/kg bw chloroquine, and infected groups treated with different doses of Prosopis africana fraction at 6.25 mg/kg,12.5mg/kg and 25 mg/kg bw respectively. The mice were induced by NK-65 chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei and administered oral treatment for four days. After the treatment period, biochemical analysis of blood samples and tissues was conducted, focusing on liver and kidney function markers, as well as oxidative stress indicators. Mice infected with Plasmodium berghei exhibited significant alterations in biochemical indices and oxidative balance compared to the control group. However, treatment with Prosopis africana fraction mitigated these changes, restoring biochemical parameters and reestablishing oxidative balance. Notably, the dose at 12.5 mg/kg bw of Prosopis africana fraction demonstrated superior efficacy in reversing the alterations induced by malaria infection. These findings suggest that Prosopis africana fraction holds therapeutic potential in mitigating the biochemical disruptions and oxidative stress associated with malaria infection.

Therapeutic Potentials of Azadirachta indica and Ocimum gratissimum, and their Synagistic Effects in Treatment of Plasmodium berghei Infected Albino Mice

Antimalarial resistance is a major challenge for effective control of malaria. This triggered the need to monitor the efficacy of Azadirachta indica and Ocimum gratissimum in the disease management. The present study compared antimalarial activities of the leaf extracts of the individual plants and evaluated their combined effects on malaria infected mice. The leaves of the different plants were extracted with absolute ethanol (BDL 95%) for the test. Clean albino mice were experimentally infected intraperitoneally with chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei Nk65 strain. Parasitaemia level was determined before parasite inoculation and at 24 hours post treatment period. Efficacy of the leaf extracts was tested on the infected mice using Peter’s 4-days suppressive and curative tests, and secondary biological assessment procedures.The lethal median dose (LD50) recorded for neem and clove basil leaf extracts were 31.62 and 1246.9 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Infected mice treated with leaf extracts of the plants and their combinations produced significant dose- dependent activity against the parasite (P<0.05). Highest reduction of parasitaemia was observed on day 4. Maximum parasitaemia reduction (78.65%) was attained with 30mg/kg of the combination of the extracts on the 7th day. These observations indicate better anti-malarial activity of the combination therapy as compared with the individual extracts of the plants, and also show their good antimalarial potentials.

Antimalarial Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Azadirachta indica and Ocimum gratissimum, and Their Histologic Effects on Some Organs (Liver, Kidney and Heart) of Plasmodium berghei Infected Albino Mice

Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Ociumum gratissimum (clove Basil) have long been employed locally for the management of malaria. The present study compared antimalaria activities of the ethanolic leaf extracts of the individual plants, and assessed their combined effects on some organs of malaria-infected mice, at the Parasitology and Histopathology units, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, from January to March, 2021. The leaves of the different plants were extracted with absolute ethanol (BDL 95%) for the test. Clean albino mice were experimentally infected intraperitoneally with chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei NK65 strain. Parasitaemia level was determined before parasite inoculation and at 24 hours post treatment period. Histopathological study on the liver, kidney, and heart was carried out using the Paraffin Setions method. Extracts of the leaves were administered orally, while chloroquine administration was intramuscular. The efficacy of the leaf extracts was tested on the P. berghei infected albino mice using the 4-day curative test. The lethal median dose (LD50) recorded for neem and clove basil leaf extracts were 31.62 and 1246.9 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Significant activity against the parasite was produced by infected mice treated with extracts of A. indica and O. gratissimum, and their combinations throughout the treatment period (P<.05). Highest reduction of parasitaemia was observed on day 4. Maximum parasitaemia reduction (78.65%) was attained with 30mg/kg of the combined extracts on the 7th day. Mild pathological lesions were observed in mice treated with A. indica leaf extract. These observations indicate better anti-malaria activity of the combination therapy as compared with the individual extracts of A. indica and O. grassimum, and indicate good antimalarial and protective roles of the plant extracts on the parasitized mice at large, as it slows down development of resistance.

Evaluation of Anti-plasmodial Activities of Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Ficus trichocarpa and Lasianthera africana on Chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei (NK65) Infected Male Albino Mice

This study was designed to evaluate the antiplasmodial activities of aqueous leaf extracts of Ficus trichocarpa and Lasianthera africana on chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei (NK65) infected male albino mice. P. berghei was obtained from National Institute for Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria, and maintained in the laboratory by serial passage in mice. Chemo-suppressive, prophylactic, and curative procedures were used to appraise the antiplasmodial potentials of the extracts. A total of 305 albino mice were used for this study. Forty-five albino mice which were divided into 9 groups were used for the acute toxicity study of F. trichocarpa and L. africana. For chemo-suppressive and prophylactic assessment, 180 albino mice were divided into 2 sets of 90 rats grouped into 6 of five albino mice each respectively, while 70 mice were used for the curative assessment. The remaining 10 infected mice served as donor mice. The infected mice were orally treated daily with 5 mg kg‾1 chloroquine 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg kg‾1 bodyweight of F. trichocarpa and L. africana respectively, and a combined extract of F. trichocarpa and L. africana in a 1:1 ratio. The In vivo antiplasmodial effect of L. africana extract against P. berghei infection showed a significant (p˂0.05) dose-dependent schizonticidal activity for the prophylactic test. The percentage suppression of the malarial parasite by F. trichocarpa and L. africana after a 4-day treatment followed a dose-dependent manner and were significantly (p˂0.05) higher than the percentage suppression of groups treated with the combined extracts. Results of the prophylactic study showed that the percentage suppression of the parasite by the aqueous leaf extract of L. africana at each administered dosage was above 30%. It was, therefore, concluded that the leaf extracts of F. trichocarpa and L. africana possess antimalarial potencies when administered individually than as a combined regime and this property could be exploited for antimalarial therapy.

Isolation and Characterization of Prophylactic Antimalarial Agents from Ochna kibbiensis Leaves

Ochna kibbiensis (Family: Ochnaceae) has been employed in ethnomedicine for the treatment of malaria and inflammation, among others. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize prophylactic antimalarial agents from the leaves of O. kibbiensis against Plasmodium berghei, in vivo and in silico. The median lethal dose (LD50) of the methanol extract and its fractions (hexane, dichloromethane, ethylacetate and butanol) was determined according to Lorke’s method while the antimalarial effect of the extract and its fractions was investigated according to the method described by Peters prophylactic test using Chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei (NK65). All the extract/fractions exhibited LD50 values ≥ 5000 mg/kg with the exception of the n-butanol fraction (1702.94 mg/kg), which indicate that the plant is non-toxic. Dichloromethane fraction exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) and dose-dependent prophylactic effect with 47.62, 85.12, and 100.0% prophylaxis (at 500, 250, and 125 mg/kg), while the least effect was observed by the butanol fraction with a percentage prophylaxis of 64.29 and 76.19, respectively; the standard drug, pyrimethamine, had 95.24% prophylaxis. Based on the results obtained, dichloromethane fraction of O. kibbiensis was subjected to chromatographic purification, which led to the isolation of a mixture of two compounds identified as stigmasterol and β-sitosterol by analysis of the NMR spectral data and comparison with existing literature; the compounds exhibited good binding affinities (−5.129 and −4.889 kcal/mol) against pfLDH and a favorable ADMET profile. In conclusion, the leaves of O. kibbiensis have demonstrated a significant prophylactic antimalarial activity and the two known steroids (stigmasterol and β-sitosterol) were isolated from the dichloromethane fraction for the first time.

In vivo antiplasmodial activities of stem bark extracts of Avicennia marina in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

malaria remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing tropical and subtropical nations. Due to the emergence and spread of drug resistance to currently available drugs, there is a need for the search of novel, safe, and reasonably affordable anti-malarial medications. The objective of this study was to assess the in vivoanti-malarial effectiveness of Avicennia marina stem bark extracts in a mice model. guidelines 425 of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development were used to determine the extracts' acute toxicity. Mice infected with chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei (ANKA strain) were tested for in vivoanti-plasmodial activity, and by giving oral doses of 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg body weight of extracts, the plant's suppressive, curative, and preventive effects were assessed. mice treated with dosages of up to 5000 mg/kg showed no evidence of acute toxicity or mortality. Consequently, it was determined that the acute lethal dosage of Avicennia marina extracts in swiss albino mice was greater than 5000 mg/kg. All doses of the extracts exhibited significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent suppression of P. berghei in the suppressive tests compared to the control group. At the highest dose (500 mg/kg), Methanolic crude extracts exerted the highest (93%) parasitemia suppression during the 4-day suppressive test. The extracts also displayed significant (p<0.001) prophylactic and curative activities at all doses compared to the control. results from this study ascertained the safety and promising curative, prophylactic and suppressive anti-plasmodial capabilities of the stem bark extracts of Avicennia marina in mice model.

In vivo chemosuppressive activities of combinations of four Nigerian ethnomedicinal antimalarial ferns

Background to the study: The in vivo antimalarial activities and the effects of combining the methanol extracts of four ferns namely, Nephrolepis biserrata (NB), N. undulata (NU), Platycerium stemaria (PS), and P. angolense (PA) randomly and with chloroquine, was determined. Methods: The four ferns were collected, separately air-dried, powdered and the extracts was obtained by cold maceration with methanol and evaporation in vacuo. They were subsequently investigated (0-800mg/kg) for antimalarial potency against chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei in mice using the Peters’ four-day test after preliminary toxicity studies, using Lorke’s method. They were further tested separately, combined with chloroquine and randomly combined with each other at their respective median effective doses. Result: NB and PS elicited comparable ED50 and lower activities than NU while PA was the least active. The percentage chemosuppression elicited by all the individual extracts were comparable [p&gt;0.05] to that of chloroquine when combined, with chloroquine and each other, except for NU and PS. Also, NB+PA, NB+PS, NU+PA+PS, NU+NB+PS and NU+NB+PA gave comparable [p&gt;0.05] chemosuppression to CQ. However, NU+PA, NU+CQ and PS+CQ elicited similar survival times and % survivor with chloroquine. The activities of the lower - acting PA and PS was only improved by combination with either NU or NB and did not give better effects than the most active individual drug. Conclusion: The study confirms the ethnomedicinal use of NU and NB for malaria and indicate that combining the ferns did not give any significant increase in activity better than the most active individual or the standard drug.

In vivo antiplasmodial activity of the methanol leaf extract of Piliostigma reticulatum (Dc.) Hochst (Fabaceae)

BackgroundPiliostigma reticulatum is a plant traditionally used to treat malaria, smallpox, neuralgia, dysentery, diarrhea, and rheumatism in Northern Nigeria. There is no scientific evidence to support the antimalarial activity of this plant. This work aims to investigate the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of the methanol leaf extract of Piliostigma reticulatum (MPR) in mice, infected with NK65 chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei. The oral lethal doses and preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract were performed. The therapeutic, suppressive, and prophylactic models were used for the antiplasmodial activity at the doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg of the MPR extract. Chloroquine and artesunate were used as the positive control drugs, while distilled water was used for the negative control group. The antiplasmodial activity was determined by comparing the mean parasite clearance in the treated groups, to the negative control group. Also the effect of the extract on the blood packed-cell volume of mice (PCV) was determined.ResultsThe LD50 of MPR was found to be > 5000 mg/kg. Glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, triterpenes and alkaloids were the phytochemicals identified in the extract. The extract of MPR produced a significant reduction in the mean parasitemia level compared to the negative control in the curative test: MPR 250 (68.31%, P < 0.001), MPR 500 (76.53%, P < 0.001), and MPR1000 (83.65%, P < 0.001). The extract prolonged the survival of infected mice (18.8 days), compared to the negative control (5.2 days). The extract produced significant chemosuppression compared to the negative control; MPR 250 (73.79%, P < 0.001), MPR 500 (81.33%, P < 0.001), and MPR 1000 (78.37%, P < 0.001). The extract produced significant chemoprophylaxis compared to the negative control; MPR 250 (68.5%, P < 0.001), MPR 500 (58.7%, P < 0.001), and MPR 1000 (84.77%, P < 0.001). The extract was found to have no significant effect on the blood PCV of the treated groups compared to the negative control.ConclusionsThe study showed that the MPR extract has significant antiplasmodial activity in mice at the doses tested, and could justify the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of malaria in Northern Nigeria.

Antiplasmodial effects of aqueous leaf extracts of Senna alata and Dennettia tripetalla in chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei (NK65) infected mice

The antiplasmodial effects of Senna alata and Dennettia tripetalla on chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei (NK65) were analysed. P. berghei was obtained from National Institute for Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria, and maintained in the laboratory by serial passage in mice. Chemosuppressive, prophylactic, and curative procedures were used to evaluate the antiplasmodial potentials of the extracts against established infection. A total of 320 albino mice were used for this study. Twenty-five albino mice were divided into 5 groups and used for D. tripetalla acute toxicity study. Eighty-five albino mice were divided into 15 groups of five albino mice each and used for chemosuppressive tests while two hundred and ten mice were used for prophylactic and curative tests. The infected mice were orally treated daily with 5mg/kg chloroquine 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, 1500 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg body weight of S. alata, D. tripetalla, and S. alata + D. tripetalla respectively. The in vivo antiplasmodial effect of the extracts against P. berghei infection showed a significant (p?0.05) dose-dependent schizontocidal activity for the chemosuppressive, and prophylactic test. Results of the curative study showed that the combination of both S. alata and D. tripetalla exhibited a strong curative effect on malaria parasitaemia. There was a significant clearance (p?0.05) in parasiteamia level from day 1 to day 5 of treatment in a dose-dependent manner with a corresponding significant (p?0.05) percentage suppression. It was therefore concluded that the leaf extracts of S. alata and D. tripetalla possess antimalarial potencies which could be exploited for antimalarial therapy.

Antiplasmodial activity of the ethanol extract of Dacryodes edulis leaf in Plasmodium berghei infected mice

Background: Malaria treatment in Africa is increasingly becoming difficult resulting from Plasmodium falciparum resistant to available antimalarial agents. Therefore, evaluating plants used in traditional medicines can lead to alternative treatment against malaria.Methods: This study evaluated the antiplasmodial activity of ethanol extract of Dacryodes edulis in chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei NK65 strain in mice. The 4-day suppressive test, repository and curative effect against established rodent malaria infection models were assayed in this study. The oral acute toxicity test and phytochemical screening were also carried out on the ethanol leaf extract.Results: The ethanol leaf extract of Dacryodes edulis (D. edulis) at varying doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg significantly (p&lt;0.05) exhibited dose-dependent decrease in parasitaemia at suppressive, repository and curative studies. Chloroquine 10 mg/kg significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased parasitaemia levels in the three models of malaria infections. The antiplasmodial activity of the leaf extract is comparable with the standard drug. The extract was found to be non-toxic acutely in mice.Conclusions: The findings show that D. edulis ethanol leaf extract demonstrated high antiplasmodial activity in a dose-dependent fashion. Thus, supporting claims of the plant traditional therapeutic importance for malaria treatment, and can be developed as an alternative therapy against the disease.

ANTIMALARIAL activities and alkaloids from Crinum jagus (Thomps) DANDY

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLocally, among the Yoruba speaking people of South Western, Nigeria, the bulb of Crinum jagus (CJ), known as “ogede odo” is used to treat malaria and as an anthelmintic among other uses.Aims of this study: Study aimed at identifying the purified active fractions and constituents of this fraction in an antiplasmodial activity-guided process. Materials and methodsAntiplasmodial activity-guided fractionation of the bulb and leaf extracts of CJ was investigated against chloroquine-sensitive (NK 65) Plasmodium berghei using 4-day suppressive and prophylactic methods. Molluscicidal activity of the extracts was assayed on adult Biomphalaria glabrata molluscs following WHO test protocols. Fractionation and purification of the active bulb extract was achieved using various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques to isolate its constituents. Isolated compounds were identified using different spectroscopic methods. Results and discussion: Both extracts had oral median lethal dose (LD50) greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.). The leaf extract had 40% lethality on molluscs while the bulb extract was inactive. The chemosuppressive and prophylactic antimalarial effects of the bulb extract were 76.55 ± 2.76% and 90.49 ± 2.70% (p<0.05) respectively at 1000 mg/kg b. wt. while the reference drugs; chloroquine and pyrimethamine, had 80.26 ± 3.09% and 50.39 ± 6.80% chemosuppressive effects, respectively. Lycorine (1) and crinamine (2) were isolated from the alkaloidal fraction with 71.36 ± 12.54% antiplasmodial activity. ConclusionThe leaf and bulb extracts of Crinum jagus displayed low molluscicidal and moderate antimalarial activities. Lycorine and crinamine were identified from the antiplasmodial alkaloidal active fraction of the bulb.

Gongronema latifolium Benth. leaves (Uteze) ameliorate malaria infection in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

Herbs are vital sources of bioactive compounds. This study evaluates the antimalarial, antioxidant, phytochemical and nutritional properties of Gongronema latifolium Benth. (Uteze) leaves. Pulverized dry leaves sample were macerated in hexane, methanol, ethanol and distilled water to obtain their respective extracts. The antimalarial efficacy of these extracts was assessed in male Swiss albino mice infected intraperitoneally with chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei NK65, using the chemo-suppressive, prophylactic and mean survival time (MST) assays. Phytochemical and proximate analyses were assessed by standard protocols. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was analyzed using DPPH radical scavenging and ferrous ion chelating assays. From the results, the plant had significant (p &lt; 0.05) antimalarial activity compared to the infected untreated control. The chemo- suppressive activity of the extracts declined accordingly; ethanol (46.34%) &gt; methanol (43.16%) &gt; aqueous (32.24%), while their prophylactic activity declined in the order of aqueous (40.25%) &gt; ethanol (38.99%) &gt; methanol (26.94%). Only MST in the four-day chemo-suppressive assay was significant (p &lt; 0.05) compared to the infected untreated control. Tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenolics, cardiac glycosides and proanthocyanidins were detected in reasonable quantities in the plant. The plant also had antioxidant activity as the aqueous extract (IC50 48.50 ± 0.42) scavenged DPPH radicals better, while methanol extract (IC50 21.15 ± 0.33) chelated ferrous ion radicals more compared to other extracts. Meanwhile, the percentage nutritional composition of the plant was moisture (6.23 ± 0.01), total ash (2.22 ± 0.02), crude fat (16.32 ± 0.04), crude fibre (1.04 ± 0.01), crude protein (9.33 ± 0.58) and nitrogen free extract (64.85 ± 0.63). In conclusion, the antimalarial activity of Gongronema latifolium Benth. (Uteze) leaves could be due to its rich phytochemical and nutritional properties.

Assessment of the activities of Chasmanthera dependens Hochst. combined with other plants on chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium berghei

The prevalence of Plasmodium strains resistant to conventional monotherapy drugs has necessitated the need for more effective and affordable antimalarial agents. This study aimed at evaluating the antimalarial activities of some indigenous plants alone and in combination with chloroquine with a view to proffering herbal combination therapy as an alternative to the currently used antimalarial combination therapy. Extracts obtained separately from the decoctions of the roots of Chasmanthera dependens Hochst. (Menispermaceae), Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Asteraceae) and methanol extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre (Menispermaceae) leaf were analysed by high resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and evaluated for repeated-dose oral toxicity in mice using standard protocols. Assessments of C. dependens and V. amygdalina with their combination were carried out on chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium-infected mice with the 4-day chemosuppressive antimalarial test. Sphenocentrum jollyanum, C. dependens and their combinations with chloroquine (10 mg/kg) were assessed on chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium using the curative test model. The combination of C. dependens and V. amygdalina exhibited chemosuppression (71.1±3.7%) that was not significantly (p>0.05) different from chloroquine (80.1±1.9%). In the curative model, a significant parasite clearance (98.2%) was observed with the combination of C. dependens and chloroquine. The study concluded that the aqueous root extracts possessed potent antimalarial activity in chloroquine-sensitive malaria infection. It also revealed an additive interaction between C. dependens and chloroquine that could be further investigated as a herbal combination for chloroquine-resistant malaria.

Evaluation of antiplasmodial potential of Beta vulgaris juice in Plasmodium berghei infected mice

The parasite, Plasmodium sp. is responsible for Malaria, which kills around half a million people annually and its management relies on efforts of cooperation between health care personnel and the public sector. The effect of Beta vulgaris fresh juice on mice infected by the chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei through in vivo trials was studied in King Fahad Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The EDs were estimated for the fresh juice activity and the secondary screening. There were significant differences in the parasitemia level (p = 0.0) between the negative control group and mice treated by B. vulgaris fresh juice and Chloroquine. The mean parasitemia level in infected untreated mice or B. vulgaris fresh juice was significantly differentiated at concentrations ranging from 10% − 80% (p = 0.0). ED50 and ED90B. vulgaris fresh juice are estimated to be 24.5 (17.8–33.8) and 40.7 (24–68.8) at 5% confidence limits. This is optimistic and stimulates additional investigation on B. vulgaris fresh juice in vitro trials and further extraction of the active components of B. vulgaris against malaria.

Antiplasmodial activity of Morinda lucida Benth. Leaf and bark extracts against Plasmodium berghei infected mice

Ethnopharmacology relevanceMorinda lucida is an ethnopharmacologically important plant that has traditionally been used to treat malaria in the Southwest of Nigeria. The aim of this study is to look into the antiplasmodial properties of different solvent extracts of Morinda lucida bark and leaves. Materials and methodsThe antiplasmodial model, (or curative assay), was tested against Plasmodium berghei NK65, a chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei strain. In experimental mice, parasitaemia, percentage inhibition, weight changes, and packed cell volume were measured and compared to chloroquine (10 mg kg−1). Standard phytochemical procedures were used to evaluate the extracts' chemo-profile. Results and DiscussionPhytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, phenols, and alkaloids, among other metabolites. The highest quantities of total phenolic, total tannins, and total flavonoid content were found in 50% ethanolic extracts. There was significant decrease in the body weight of the mice after inoculation, however, after administration of crude extracts, an increase in weight was observed. A negative variation (-3.00 g) was observed in group without treatment. The ethanolic crude extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly increased the packed cell volume compared to other extracts. CQ treated experimental mice showed 100% inhibition with activity greater than extracts treated groups. The lowest inhibitory effect was observed in 200 mg/kg ethanolic bark extract treated group with activity of 72.16%. The antiplasmodial activities exhibited by these extracts could be linked to the chemical constituents investigated. ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest the use of M. lucida leaves and bark as a medicinal agent for malaria treatment and as a potential source of effective antimalarial templates. Further research is needed to determine the safety and toxicological profile of these extracts in vivo.

In Vivo Antiplasmodial Activity of Detarium microcarpum (Fabaceae) Stem Bark Extract

Background: Malaria is a parasitic infection that is common in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It is estimated to kill one million individuals annually. Detarium microcarpum (Fabaceae family) is used traditionally for the treatment of malaria, diabetes, hypertension, convulsions, pneumonia, leprosy, and meningitis. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the antiplasmodial potential and safety profile of the methanol extract of D. microcarpum stem bark. Methods: The extract was subjected to phytochemical screening and oral median lethal dose (LD50) estimation. Using curative, suppressive, and prophylactic experimental animal models, antiplasmodial activity was assessed in mice infected with chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei. Biochemical and hematological tests were conducted in rats orally administered with the extract for 28 days. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data, followed by Dunnett's post hoc test. Results: Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, triterpenes, and glycosides were found in the extract through phytochemical analysis. When compared to the negative control group, the extract at the tested doses (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) showed a significant (P &lt; 0.001) curative, suppressive, and prophylactic effect and significantly (P &lt; 0.001) prolonged the survival time of mice in the treated groups. The extract had an insignificant (P &gt; 0.05) effect on the biochemical and hematological parameters tested. Conclusion: The results suggest that the stem bark extract of D. microcarpum at the doses tested possesses antiplasmodial activity and is relatively safe after short-term use.

Antiplasmodial Activity of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Daniella oliveri in Albino Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei Nk 65

Human malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by 5 species of plasmodia. Qualitative, quantitative and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to determine some bioactive components used in accessing the antiplasmodial potentials of methanolic leaf extract of Daniella oliveri in mice. Twenty-five (25) albino mice of body weight between 18-25 g were randomized into 5 groups of five mice per group for acute toxicity test, while for antiplasmodial studies. Thirty (30) mice were randomized to 6 groups of 5 mice per group (groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6). The mice were Infected intravenously with 0.2 ml of 1x107 standard inoculum of chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infected erythrocytes on the first day (day 0).72 hours later (day 3), 0.2 ml of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight of leaf extract were administered orally to mice in groups 4, 5 and 6 respectively as treatment dose once daily for 5 consecutive days. Group 1 (positive control) were treated with 0.2 ml of 5 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine, group 2 (negative control) were given 0.2 ml of normal saline and group 3 (normal control) received 0.2 ml of normal saline but were not infected with P. berghei. Blood samples were collected from all mice in all groups for the determination of percentage Parasitemia and chemo-suppression through vene-section of the tail. The qualitative Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Tannins, Cardiac glycosides, Reducing sugar, Saponins, Terpernoids, Phenols. The GC-MS analysis revealed 57 chemicals. The highest dose 800mg/kg body weight showed a very good antiplasmodial activities with a significant decrease (P&lt;0.05). Daniella oliveri have displayed to be a potentially “very good’’ human antimalarial medicinal plant.

In vivo antimalarial activity of a probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus sakei isolated from traditionally fermented milk in BALB/c mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMilk production, processing and consumption are integral part of traditional practices in Fulani tribe of Cameroon. It has been observed that Fulani are resistant to malaria. Dairy products traditionally processed by Fulani are intensively used in the ritual treatment of malarial, inflammations and behavioural disorders. Many studies have demonstrated that fermented milk is a rich source of probiotic bacteria. However, the antimalarial activity of probiotics isolated from this natural source has not been experimentally tested. Aim of the studyHence, this study was therefore aimed at evaluating the antimalarial activity of a probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus sakei isolated from traditionally fermented milk in mice infected with chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei ANKA. Materials and methodsThe probiotic bacterium was isolated from the Cameroonian Mborro Fulani's traditionally fermented milk and identified using the 16S r RNA gene sequencing. The schizontocidal activity of Lactobacillus sakei on established malaria infection was evaluated. Eighty-four healthy young adult Balb/c mice infected with Plasmodium berghei parasite were randomly divided into two sets of seven group of six mice each, and were given three different doses of Lactobacillus sakei, chloroquine and sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine for seven and fourteen days respectively. The level of parasitaemia, body temperature, survival time and haematological parameters were evaluated. ResultsThe parasite growth inhibition was observed to increase with increasing dose of probiotic bacterium with maximum suppression being 100 % at dose 3 on day 20. Also, the probiotic bacterium significantly prevented body weight loss and was associated with body temperature reduction and prevented (p<0.05) a decrease in haematological parameters compared to that untreated malaria infected mice. ConclusionThe results obtained suggest that Lactobacillus sakei is a probiotic bacterium with antimalarial activity in mice infected with chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei.

Evaluation of Antiplasmodial Activity of Hydroalcoholic Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of Zehneria scabra Roots Against Plasmodium berghei in Swiss Albino Mice

BackgroundSince drug resistance makes controlling malaria parasites a major challenge, these pioneering researchers explore and discover new novel drugs from a variety of sources. As a result, this study aimed to assess the anti-plasmodial activity of hydroalcoholic crude extract and solvent fractions of Zehneria scabra roots in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei.MethodsThe antimalarial activity and safety profile of Zehneria scabra extracts were tested in a mouse model using four-day suppressive, prophylactic, and rane’s tests against chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei. Mice were divided into five groups at random: group I received distilled water (10 mL/kg), group II, III, and IV received 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of the extract, respectively, and group V received chloroquine (25 mg/kg). The antimalarial activity of the extract was determined using parasitemia levels, survival time, rectal temperature, and weight variation.ResultsAt all dose levels, the crude extract and solvent fractions of Zehneria scabra showed significant (p<0.05 to p<0.001) chemosuppression, with the crude extract and butanol fraction showing the highest chemosuppression (73.09% and 74.09%, respectively). Apart from suppressing parasitemia, the extract also increased survival time and secured packed cell volume reduction substantially (p<0.05 to p<0.001), while the crude extract had no significant impact on body weight or rectal temperature reduction in four-day suppressive and prophylactic models.ConclusionThe result designated that Zehneria scabra is endowed with significant antimalarial activity. These results thus support the traditional use of Zehneria scabra, for the treatment of malaria.

Developmental stages influence in vivo antimalarial activity of aerial part extracts of Schkuhria pinnata

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMalaria remains a dire health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In Uganda, it is the most ordinary condition in hospital admission and outpatient care. The country's meager health services compel malaria patients to use herbal remedies such as Schkuhria pinnata (Lam.) Kuntze ex Thell (Asteraceae). Although in vivo studies tested the antimalarial activity of S. pinnata extracts, plant developmental stages and their effect at different doses remain unknown. Aim of the studyThis study aims to determine the effect of the plant developmental stage on the antimalarial activity of S. pinnata in mice and to document the acute oral toxicity profile. MethodsSeeds of S. pinnata were grown, and aerial parts of each developmental stage were harvested. Extraction was done by maceration in 70% methanol. The antimalarial activity was evaluated using chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei on swiss albino mice, in a chemosuppressive test, at 150, 350, and 700 mg/kg, p.o. Standard drugs used were artemether-lumefantrine (0.57 + 3.43) mg/kg and chloroquine (10 mg/kg) as positive controls. Distilled water at 1 mL/100g was used as a negative control. The Lorke method was adopted to determine the acute toxicity of extracts. ResultsThe flowering stage extract had a maximum suppression of parasitemia at 700 mg/kg (68.83 ± 4.49%). Extract at other developmental stages also significantly suppressed the parasitemia (in the ascending order) fruiting (50.71 ± 1.87%), budding (54.92 ± 7.56%), vegetative (55.39 ± 2.01%) compared to the negative control (24.7 ± 2.7%), p < 0.05. Extracts from all developmental stages increased survival time, with the flowering stage having the highest survival time at 20.33 ± 0.88 days. All extracts had an LD50 of 2157 mg/kg, implying that extracts are safe at lower doses. ConclusionTogether, our findings revealed that the S. pinnata extracts at the flowering stage had superior antimalarial activity compared to other plant developmental stages. Extracts from all developmental stages have demonstrated a dose-dependent suppression of malarial parasites and increased survival time with an LD50 of 2157 mg/kg. Thus, for better antimalarial activity, local communities could consider harvesting S. pinnata at the flowering stage. Further studies are needed to isolate pure compounds from S. pinnata and determine their antimalarial activity.