<i>In vivo</i> investigation provides new insights into the antiplasmodial activities of <i>Luffa cylindrica</i> leaf extracts in <i>Plasmodium berhei</i> infected mice

Abstract

Background: Luffa cylindrica is traditionally used as decoction to treat malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.
Objective: This study investigated the antimalarial activity of leaf extracts of Luffa cylindrica in mice.
Design: 500g pulverized dried leaves of L. cylindrica was extracted successively with water, n-hexane, ethylacetate and methanol and thereafter screened for secondary metabolites using standard procedure. Each extract was tested for antimalarial activity in vivo. Thirty (30) mice were randomized into six groups of five mice each. Group I were infected with Plasmodium berghei NK-65 and received distilled water (control), Groups II and III were infected and treated with 1.5mg/kg b.w of artesunate and 5mg/kg b.w of chloroquine respectively while Groups IV-VI were infected and treated with 100, 200 and 400mg/kg b.w leaf extracts (aqueous, methanol, ethylacetate and hexane) of L. cylindrica. The inhibition of parasite growth and the mean survival time of mice were determined following the treatment.
Results: Flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenolics, terpenes, alkaloids and glycosides were present at varying amounts in the extracts. Each extract demonstrated antimalarial activity by significantly (p>0.05) suppressing parasitaemia level. The methanolic extract among others demonstrated the best antimalarial activity with over 90% suppression of parasitaemia level at the doses investigated.
Conclusion: This study further substantiates the use of L. cylindrica in Nigeria folk medicine for treating malaria.