Role of vitamin E, vitamin A and aqueous extract of Aframomum sceptrum in mice, infected with malaria parasites

Abstract

Background: It has been reported that antioxidant rich spices and vitamins provide protection against oxidative stress in malaria infection.

Objective: This study examined the antimalarial role of vitamins A and E and aqueous extract of Aframomum sceptrum on oxidative stress caused by the parasite Plasmodium berghei in malaria induced mice.

Methods: Thirty mice (twenty surviving parasitized mice and ten normal mice) were used for the study. They were divided into 6 groups of 5 mice each as follows: group 1: normal control, group 2: parasitized control, group 3: parasitized mice given 60mg/kg body weight vitamin A, group 4: parasitized mice given 100mg/kg body weight vitamin E, group 5: parasitized mice given 50 mg/kg body weight A. sceptrum extract and group 6: normal + tween 80. Biochemical analyses determined the blood glutathione (GSH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin and total protein in the serum. Data were analysed using SPSS.

Results: The results showed that there were significant (p < 0.05) decreases in blood GSH, albumin total protein and increase in AST and ALT in serum of the parasitized control mice when compared to normal control. Treatment with 100 mg/kg, body weight of vitamin E, 50mg/kg body weight with vitamin A and aqueous extract of A. sceptrum resulted in significant (p < 0.05) increase in blood GSH, albumin, total protein and decrease AST and ALT in serum of the parasitized mice when compared to parasitized control mice.

Conclusion: Vitamins A and E might have anti- malaria properties and aqueous extract of A. sceptrum might contain anti-malaria agents that helped to reduce some of the oxidative stress effects of malaria infection. This study has provided useful context on the global burden of malaria infection and the use of Vitamins E and A and A. sceptrum to improve malaria treatment policy.

Keywords: Plasmodium berghei, Aframomum sceptrum, vitamins E and A