Uncategorized
In-Vivo Anti-Malarial Activity of 80% Methanol Leaf Extract of Croton Dichogamus Pax and Ehretia Cymosa Thonn in Plasmodium Berghei Infected Mice
July 13, 2025
Parasitemia Suppression
- Ehretia cymosa: At 400 mg/kg, the extract suppressed parasite levels by 66.28%—comparable to chloroquine, the standard drug. Even lower doses (200 and 100 mg/kg) achieved 63.44% and 63.14% suppression, classified as “very good” activity .
- Croton dichogamus: The 400 mg/kg dose showed 45.29% suppression, while lower doses were less effective (<30%) .
Table 1: Parasitemia Suppression by Dose
| Plant Extract | 400 mg/kg | 200 mg/kg | 100 mg/kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ehretia cymosa | 66.28% | 63.44% | 63.14% |
| Croton dichogamus | 45.29% | 27.77% | 24.64% |
Data sourced from in vivo 4-day suppressive tests .
Safety First: No Toxicity Observed
Both extracts were safe at doses up to 2000 mg/kg—far higher than therapeutic levels. No deaths or adverse effects (e.g., diarrhea, lethargy) occurred during 14-day monitoring .
Preserving Red Blood Cells
Malaria destroys red blood cells (RBCs), causing anemia. The extracts significantly maintained packed cell volume (PCV), a measure of RBC health, in treated mice compared to untreated controls .
Table 2: Body Weight and Temperature Changes
| Parameter | Infected + Untreated | Infected + E. cymosa (400 mg/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Loss | 18% | 5% |
| Temperature Drop | 3.2°C | 1.1°C |
Hypothermia and weight loss are hallmarks of rodent malaria; extracts mitigated these effects .
How the Experiments Worked
Step-by-Step Process
Plant Preparation: Leaves were dried, powdered, and extracted using 80% methanol—a solvent effective at pulling out bioactive compounds .
Mouse Infection: Mice were infected with P. berghei via blood transfusion from infected donors .
Dosing: Extracts (100–400 mg/kg) or chloroquine were administered orally for four days.
Measurements: Parasitemia (microscopy), PCV (centrifugation), weight, and temperature were tracked .
Table 3: Experimental Design Overview
| Stage | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| Extraction | Soxhlet method with methanol |
| Toxicity Testing | OECD Guideline 425 (2000 mg/kg limit) |
| Anti-Malarial Test | 4-day suppressive model |
Why This Matters: Implications for Malaria Treatment
Validating Traditional Medicine: The results align with Ethiopian and Kenyan communities’ use of these plants for fevers and malaria .
Natural vs. Synthetic Drugs: Plant-derived compounds often have fewer side effects than synthetic drugs. E. cymosa’s efficacy suggests it could be a candidate for clinical trials.
Combating Drug Resistance: Multi-component plant extracts may slow resistance by targeting parasites through multiple pathways .
Future Directions
- Isolate Active Compounds: The study used crude extracts. Next steps include isolating specific molecules (e.g., alkaloids, flavonoids) responsible for anti-malarial effects .
- Human Trials: Testing safety and efficacy in humans is critical but requires funding and regulatory approval.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Natural Solutions
The 2024 study offers hope in the fight against malaria, demonstrating that Ehretia cymosa and Croton dichogamus are more than folk remedies—they’re reservoirs of potential therapeutics. As drug resistance escalates, nature-inspired solutions could be our best defense.
“The earth does not belong to us; we belong to the earth.” —Chief Seattle. Perhaps the answers to our most pressing health challenges lie in the plants beneath our feet.