In vivo Evaluation of the Antiplasmodial Activity of Sterculia setigera Leaf Extract on Plasmodium berghei Infected Mice

Abstract

The developing resistance of malaria parasite to currently available anti-malarial drugs leadtosearch for novel effective drugs. Sterculia  setigera a deciduous tree, commonly known as Karayagum tree in Northern Nigeria. Traditionally, its boiled leaves have been used in the  treatment ofmalaria. The present study aims investigate the toxicological and in vivo antiplasmodial effectsofS. setigera extract on albino  mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Swiss albino mice (15-25g), chloroquine sensitive P. berghei and Fresh S. setigera leaves were  collected, air dried, ethanol extract obtained and used for the study. The modified Lorke method was adopted to determineacute toxicity,  with 3 groups of mice intraperitoneally administered varying doses of the extractsin 2 phases. The malaria parasite plasmodium berghei  was inoculated into the apparentlyhealthySwiss albino mice. The curative evaluation of grouped mice used at various  concentrations(150mg/kg, 300mg/kg, and 1200mg/kg) alongside negative (distilled water) and positive(10mg/kg chloroquine) controls  were performed. The parameters of body weight, packedcell volume and parasitemia were determined using Ranes’ and Peters test. The  Phytochemical evaluation of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids and triterpeneswhile, cardiac glycosides  and anthraquiones were absent. The single oral dose of 5000mg/kgtoxicity study was not found to be toxic after several observations.  The crude extract indosesof150mg/kg, 300mg/kg and 1200mg/kg administered to different group of mice showed decreasedaverage  parasitemia, while increased packed cell was observed. The crude extract also preventedweight loss on the last day of the treatment. The  crude extract showed significant antiplasmodial activity against P. berghei, depending on the dosage. All extracts in treatment groups  decrease parasitemia level in infected mice. This study suggests that the leaf extract of S. setigera possessanti plasmodial activity against  plasmodium berghei in a dose dependent manner, and preventedloss of weight and increase packed cell volume which. establish a  scientific justification on the traditional use of S. setigera in management of malaria.