Effect of Treatment of Malaria and Diabetes with Aqueous Extract of Anthocleista Djalonensis in Mice

Abstract

Anthocleista djalonensis is a medicinal plant that has been used to treat malaria, jaundice, abscesses and diabetes. The study assessed  the effects of aqueous extract of A. djalonensis leaves on some biochemical indices in the treatment of malaria and diabetes. Twenty-four  mice used were randomly assigned into six groups numbering four each and provided with feed and water ad libitum. Group 1  (control) received water and feed only. Groups 2, 3, 4 5 and 6 received 200 mg/kg body weight of extract; 5 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine, 400 mg/kg body weight extract, 2 mg/kg body weight glibenclamide 5 mg/kg body weight chloroquine and 2 mg/kg body  weight glibenclamide respectively for seven days. Phytochemical screening of A. djalonensis leaves revealed the presence of alkaloids,  phenols, saponins, steroids, flavonoids and tannins at 6.76 ± 0.03, 0.61 ± 0.01, 2.11 ± 0.02, 0.89 ± 0.01, 3.10 ± 0.03 and 1.13 ± 0.01 %  respectively. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity of Groups 5 and 6 were significantly (p<0.05) higher  compared to the control. There were no visible histological changes in liver and kidney. Results of this study suggest that A. djalonensis is  relatively safe for the treatment of diabetes and malaria at the administered doses.