In vivo schizonticidal activity of ethanolic leaf extract of gongronema latifolium on plasmodium berghei berghei in mice

Abstract

In vivo schizonticidal activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium on blood-borne chloroquine- sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei in mice was determined so as to scientifically justify the traditional use of the plant in south eastern Nigeria (tropical rain forest region) for local management of malaria fevers. The ethanolic leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium (200 - 800mg/kg) was administered orally to mice during early and established Plasmodium berghei berghei infections and its repository action in blood was also determined. The leaf extract at these doses caused 71-81% inhibition of parasitemia in the suppressive test, 59-73% parasitemia inhibition in the repository test and a mean survival time of 25-29 days in the curative test. These results show significant (P<0.05) antiplasmodial activity in the four-day suppressive test and in the curative test. These findings support the traditional use of the leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium for local treatment of malaria.