Antiplasmodial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of crude Guiera senegalensis leaf extracts in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei

Abstract

Guiera senegalensis Gmel (combretaceae) is a common herbal antipyretic and antimalarial among some tribal groups in northern Nigeria. Leaf extracts of the plant were thus tested for antiplasmodial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins and flavonoids. The extracts had no adverse effects at 600 mg/kg body weight (bw) with LD₅₀ of 2800 mg/kg body weight. G. senegalensis extract significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed the parasites in mice but exhibited no prophylactic activity. It also exhibited analgesic activity with no anti inflammatory effect.