In vivo anti-plasmodial activity and histopathological analysis of water and ethanol extracts of a polyherbal antimalarial recipe

Anthocleista djalonensis A. Chev. (stem bark), Azadirachta indica A. Juss (stem bark and leaf), Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth. (leaf), Crescentia cujete L. (stem bark), Lawsonia inermis L. (leaf), Lophira alata Banks ex C.F. Gaertn. (stem bark), Myrianthus pruessii Engl. (leaf), Nauclea latifolia Sm. (stem bark), Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. (root), and Terminalia glaucescens Planch ex Benth. (stem bark and root) are combined for use in the treatment of malaria in Akure, Southwestern Nigeria. The powdered plant samples were screened for phytochemical constituents, proximate composition and mineral elements according to standard protocols. Plasmodium berghei infected mice were screened for parasitemia and administered with water and ethanol extracts of the combined plant sample. Toxicity and histopathological studies were carried out on the liver and kidney sections of the mice. Data were statistically analyzed. The powdered herbal recipe contained appreciable phytochemicals and important minerals. The concentrations administered for LD50 did not elicit adverse reactions in the experimental animals, and no mortality was recorded. Histological studies revealed some pathology caused by the malaria parasite, as well as side effects of the extracts administered. This is discussed in relation to safety considerations. Key words: Malaria, herbs, phytochemical, histopathology, Nigeria.