Alstonia boonei stem bark aqueous extract ameliorates elevated parasitemia levels, normalises blood glucose, modulates inflammatory biomarkers and enhances antioxidant status in Plasmodium berghei-infected/diabetic mice.

Abstract

Objectives: Malaria and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often coexist in sub-Saharan Africa, worsening disease burden and complicating treatment. This study evaluated the protective effects of Alstonia boonei stem bark aqueous extract on Plasmodium berghei-infected diabetic mice.

Methods: Male mice were divided into five groups: normal control, untreated infected/diabetic, chloroquine-metformin treated, and extract-treated groups (40 and 80 mg/kg body weight). Fasting blood glucose, parasitemia, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory markers, and hematological indices were assessed following treatment.

Results: Untreated infected/diabetic mice exhibited significant hyperglycemia, elevated parasitemia, oxidative stress, anemia, and dysregulated inflammatory responses compared with controls. Administration of A. boonei extract produced a dose-dependent reduction in fasting blood glucose and parasitemia, alongside inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The extract enhanced antioxidant status (SOD, catalase, GSH), restored red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume, reduced C-reactive protein levels, and elevated interleukin-10. These effects were more pronounced at 80 mg/kg and comparable to the standard drug group.

Conclusions: A. boonei stem bark aqueous extract demonstrated antihyperglycemic, antiplasmodial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in malaria-diabetes comorbidity. The findings support its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing malaria and diabetes co-occurrence.