Inflammatory response in Plasmodium falciparum-infected patients treated using raw liquid extract of Morinda lucida (Oowo) leaf in some traditional homes in Nigeria

Abstract

Study Background: Morinda lucida is a medicinal plant used in Nigeria for Plasmodium falciparum infection treatment due to its phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities. Traditional medicine is accepted in Nigeria for its effectiveness. The plant’s various parts treat fever, malaria, diabetes, ulcers, and gonorrhea. It contains alkaloids, anthraquinones, anthraquinols, steroids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, and glycosides. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the inflammatory response in P. falciparum-infected patients treated with the raw liquid extract of M. lucida leaves in traditional homes in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in ten traditional homes in Saki, Nigeria. Fifty P. falciparum-infected participants receiving treatment in traditional homes were recruited, along with 50 participants receiving conventional malaria treatment in hospitals and 50 noninfected participants as controls. Blood samples were collected for the estimation of parasite density by microscopy, plasma interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels by ELISA. The raw liquid extract of M. lucida leaves was prepared and administered to the patients. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the results among the different groups. Results: The results showed a significant difference in plasma IL-10, TNF-α levels, and parasite density across the different groups. Treatment with the raw liquid extract led to a decrease in plasma IL-10 levels and an increase in plasma TNF-α levels and parasite density in the infected patients. No significant difference was observed between traditional home and hospital patients in terms of IL-10 levels and parasite density. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the raw liquid extract of M. lucida leaves may modulate the inflammatory response in P. falciparum-infected patients. Further studies are needed to explore the therapeutic potential of this plant in the treatment of malaria.