Antiplasmodial Activity of Methanolic Leaf Extract of <i>Daniella oliveri</i> in Albino Mice Infected with <i>Plasmodium berghei</i> Nk 65

Abstract

Human malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by 5 species of plasmodia. Qualitative, quantitative and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to determine some bioactive components used in accessing the antiplasmodial potentials of methanolic leaf extract of Daniella oliveri in mice. Twenty-five (25) albino mice of body weight between 18-25 g were randomized into 5 groups of five mice per group for acute toxicity test, while for antiplasmodial studies. Thirty (30) mice were randomized to 6 groups of 5 mice per group (groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6). The mice were Infected intravenously with 0.2 ml of 1x107 standard inoculum of chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infected erythrocytes on the first day (day 0).72 hours later (day 3), 0.2 ml of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight of leaf extract were administered orally to mice in groups 4, 5 and 6 respectively as treatment dose once daily for 5 consecutive days. Group 1 (positive control) were treated with 0.2 ml of 5 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine, group 2 (negative control) were given 0.2 ml of normal saline and group 3 (normal control) received 0.2 ml of normal saline but were not infected with P. berghei. Blood samples were collected from all mice in all groups for the determination of percentage Parasitemia and chemo-suppression through vene-section of the tail. The qualitative Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Tannins, Cardiac glycosides, Reducing sugar, Saponins, Terpernoids, Phenols. The GC-MS analysis revealed 57 chemicals. The highest dose 800mg/kg body weight showed a very good antiplasmodial activities with a significant decrease (P<0.05). Daniella oliveri have displayed to be a potentially “very good’’ human antimalarial medicinal plant.