Biochemical effects of ethanolic extract from root bark of Salacia nitida L. benth in Plasmoduim berghei-malaria infected mice.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim: This study is designed to evaluate the biochemical effects of ethanolic extract from root bark of Salacia nitida in Plasmodium berghei-malaria infected mice. Methods: Fresh roots of S. nitida were collected in April, 2016. Thirty P. berghei-infected mice divided into five groups of six mice per group were used for the study against six uninfected mice as control. 280, 430 and 580 mg/kg body weight/day of the ethanolic extract from root bark of Salacia nitida were given to P. berghei-malaria infected mice in groups B, C and D; 4 mg/kg body weight/day of artesunate given to P. berghei-malaria infected mice in group E, while P. berghei-malaria infected mice in group A and the normal mice in group F were given 4 ml/kg body weight/day of physiological saline for eight days. Levels of various biochemical indices in the malaria infected mice and percentage body weights were evaluated. Results: Results obtained show significant increase (P < 0.05) in total protein, albumin, globulin, and decrease in the levels bilirubin, cholesterol, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase were recorded in the malaria infected treated mice. Percentage change in body weights of malaria infected treated mice were also increased. Conclusion: Results obtained from this study suggest that ethanolic extract from S. nitida root bark is effective in treatment of malaria.