The Efficacy of Calotropis Procera Extracts on Plasmodium Berghei in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

Malaria is one of the most prevalent human infections worldwide and treatment has been com-promised by drug resistance to the parasite. Calotropis procera, is known for its pharmacological importance for many years. This study sought to determine efficacy of Calotropis procera extracts on Plasmodium berghei in swiss mice. In vitro antimalarial activity was carried out. In vivo parasite growth inhibitory effect of crude extract was assessed in mice inoculated with Plasmodium berghei (ANKA strain). The in vivo antiplasmodial activity of the test extract was performed against early infection (4-day suppressive test), curative effect against established infection and prophylactic effect against residual infection. Acute toxicity was carried out according to OECD guidelines. Anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities were carried out on the extract. The in vitro parasitaemia suppression was IC50= 83.91± 0.375μg/ml. In vivo parasite growth inhibition effect of crude extract of C. procera was evaluated at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg dose levels. It suppressed parasitaemia by P˂ 0.0001 at 600 mg/kg dose level in the 4- day test. In curative and prophylactic potential tests, it suppressed parasitaemia by P˂ 0.001 and P< 0.0015 at 600 mg/kg dose level, respectively. In vivo toxicity tests revealed mild toxicity at high dose. All parasitaemia suppressions were statistically significant at P< 0.05 as compared to the vehicle-treated group. The antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities showed P< 0.0002 and P< 0.0144 at dose 300 mg/kg. The crude extract also prolonged survival time in a dosedependent manner. The investigation results suggest that the leave extract of C. procera possesses antimalarial activity. It is therefore necessary for the government to create funds for research institutions to carry out a series of work on other plants to elucidate its potency in treating the malaria disease.