ANTI-PLASMODIAL EFFECTS OF POLYALTHIA LONGIFOLIA (VAR.) LEAF EXTRACTS AGAINST PLASMODIUM BERGHEI IN MICE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Malaria is one of the most debilitating tropical parasitic diseases and the greatest cause of hospitalization and death. Recurring problems of drug resistance are reinforcing the need for finding new antimalarial drugs. In this respect, natural plant products are the main sources of biologically active compounds and have potential for the development of novel antimalarial drugs. The present study was designed to elucidate bioactive metabolite and in vivo antimalaria efficacy of crude and solvent fractions of Polyalthia longifolia against Plasmodium berghei in mice. The crude methanol extract of the plant was analysed for the presence of bioactive metabolites following standard procedure. A rodent malaria parasite, Plasmodium berghei, was used to inoculate healthy male Swiss Albino mice of age 6–8 weeks and weight 28–35 g. Crude methanol extract and the solvent fractions were administered at different doses 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg. Parasitaemia, survival time, body weight, and packed cell volume were determined using standard tests. The results indicated the presence of phytochemicals including flavonoids, phenols, tanins, and alkaloids. Saponin content (500.76±2.37 mg/100 g) was significantly higher than other phytochemicals detected. Acute oral toxicity bioassay reveals an LD50 extrapolated to be above 1600 mg/kg body weight. The crude extract at doses 600 mg/kg b.wt showed appreciable antiplasmodial potency than the fraction. The crude extract prevented loss of weight and slightly affected packed cell volume. The solvent fraction also prevented loss in packed cell volume. All doses of crude extracts and fractions of P. longifolia leaf prolong the survival time of infected mice in a dose dependent pattern. The results collectively indicate that the plant has a promising antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium berghei, which upholds the earlier in vitro findings as well as its folkloric use.