Antiplasmodial evaluation of aqueous extract of Blighia sapida K.D. Koenig leaves in Plasmodium berghei (NK65)-infected mice

Abstract

Background: The study was designed to screen aqueous extract of Bilghia sapida leaves for its phytochemical constituents, in vivo antiplasmodial activity and biochemical changes in Plasmodium berghei (NK65)-infected female mice. Phytochemical screening was done using standard methods. In the acute toxicity test, three groups of mice received 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/Kg/day of the extract respectively, and were observed for signs of toxicity, especially mortality for 24 h. Forty-eight mice were assigned into six groups of eight animals each. The uninfected group A (control) was administered distilled water, while groups B, C, D, E and F were inoculated intraperitoneally with about 107 parasitized erythrocytes and received distilled water, chloroquine (5 mg/Kg/day), 125, 250 and 500 mg/Kg/day of extract, respectively. The antiplasmodial activity was evaluated using Peter’s 4 days suppressive test. Haematological indices, selected biochemical parameters and liver histology were evaluated. Results: Screening revealed the presence of six phytochemicals in the aqueous extract of B. sapida leaves. Median lethal dose of the extract is > 5,000 mg/Kg/day. The aqueous extract of the leaves significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the level of parasitaemia dose-dependently with chemosuppression of 74.09% at 500 mg/Kg/day. The extract significantly (P < 0.05) prevented P. berghei infection-associated reduction in red blood cell indices. The significant (P < 0.05) P. berghei-induced alterations in liver function indices were improved in extract-treated mice. There were no visible lesions in the livers of animals that received 125 mg/Kg/day of extract. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of B. sapida leaves has in vivo antiplasmodial activity and justifies its folkloric use in malarial treatment.