Effect of Methanol Leaf Extract of Nauclea latifolia on Albino Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei berghei

Abstract

Background: In Nigeria the leaf decoction of Nauclea latifolia is taken to treat malaria and sexually transmitted diseases. This study intends to generate a scientific data in support of the traditional use of the leaves in malaria treatment.

Objective: To investigate the antiplasmodial effect of the methanol extract of the leaves of Nauclea latifolia on chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei in  experimentally infected albino mice.

Materials and Methods: The fresh leaves of Nauclea latifolia were collected, dried under shade, ground into powder and macerated in methanol for 72 hrs. The dried extract was stored at -4 °C for use. Thirty (30) mice were divided into five groups (A,B,C,D,E). Group A received 10 ml/kg/day of distilled water (negative control). Groups B, C and D received 370, 740 and 1110 mg/kg/day of the extract respectively. Group E received 1.2 mg/kg/day of artesunate (positive control). This experiment was repeated for suppressive, prophylactic and curative tests.

Results: The extract produced considerable antiplasmodial activity in all the three tests evaluated compared to the standard drug (artesunate). The extract reduced parasitaemia significantly (p<0.05) in a dose dependent manner. Bioactive constituents of the plant could be responsible for the antiplasmodial activity

Conclusion: The result of the study supports the need for continued search for components of traditional medicine as potential antimalarial agents.

Keywords: Malaria, Nauclea latifolia, mice, Plasmodium berghei berghei