Potency of Ficus Exasparata Leaf Extract on Albino Mice Infected with Plasmodium Berghei Berghei

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of Ficus exasparata (sand paper plant) on albino mice experimentally infected with Plasmodium berghei berghei. The mice were grouped into four of five mice each. The mice in groups A,B, and C were inoculated with Plasmodium berghei berghei while those in the group D were not inoculated with the parasite to serve as the control group. Group A and B were treated with the ethanoic leaf extract of Ficus exasparata with 100mg/body weight/day and 200mg/body weight/day respectively for six days after inoculation with the parasite. The extract significantly suppressed the malaria parasite in the treated groups when compared with the control group. Phytochemical analysis of Ficus exasparata showed the presence of Tannins, Flavonoid, Saponins and Glycosides. The statistical tool used was Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC). The statistical analysis showed no significant difference between doses 100mg and 200mg, but there was a significant suppression of the parasite. It is therefore concluded, that Ficus exasparata extract is capable of treating infection with Plasmodium berghei berghei.