In vivo Investigation of Haematological and Histological Effects of Leaves Extracted from some Herbals on Plasmodium berghei

Abstract

This study was aimed at investigating the haematological and histological effects of ethanolic leaves extract of <em>Jatropha curcas</em> on <em>Plasmodium berghei</em> infected mice. Forty eight mice weighing between 22-24g were assigned into six study groups of eight mice each. Forty mice were parasitized by <em>Plasmodium berghei </em>and used for extract and orthodox treated groups while eight mice were unparasitized. Group 1 was designated as positive control, group 2 was parasitized and designated as negative control. Group 3 was parasitized and designated as orthodox treated group of 100mg/kg body weight of Lonart DS. Group 4 to 6 were parasitized groups and treated with 400mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of <em>Jatropha curcas </em>leaves. Haematological parameters analyzed were hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and white blood cell (WBC). The hematological and histological investigations in groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 in orthodox and extract treated mice with 400mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of <em>Jatropha curcas</em> leaves showed significant reduction in their parasitemia levels <em> </em>compared to negative control group. The ameliorating effect of extract treated groups showed anti-plasmodia and anti-anemic activities which were confirmed in the histological tissues of <em>Plasmodium berghei</em> infected mice<strong>.</strong>