Effect of <i>Cymbopogon citratus</i> and <i>Piliostigma reticulatum</i> Aqueous Leaf Extracts on Rat Liver Function and <i>In vitro</i> Schizont Maturation Inhibition

Abstract

The most severe form of malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which undergoes antigenic variation. However, plant products continue to make an immense contribution to malaria chemotherapy. In this research, the inhibitory effect of C. citratus and P. reticulatum on schizont maturation was investigated using in vitro assay. Also, effect of the extract on some enzymatic and non-enzyme liver function parameters was determined after sub-chronic oral administration of the extracts to albino rats. From the result it was observed that C. citratus and P. reticulatum extract inhibited schizont growth with an IC₅₀ of 7.25 mg/L and 3.25 mg/L, respectively. The dosage (250, 750 and 1500 mg/kg) of both plants administered to experimental rats significantly (p<0.05) increased the enzymatic parameters (AST, ALT and ALP) and non-enzymatic parameters (serum total proteins, albumin, total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin) of liver function indices particularly at the high doses of 750 and 1500 mg/kg when compared with the control value. The finding of this research demonstrates that although C. citratus and P. reticulatum extract may have potential antimalarial activity but may have the potential to be hepatotoxic.