ANTIPLASMODIAL EFFICACY, PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION, AND SAFETY PROFILE OF TEN MEDICINAL PLANT EXTRACTS AGAINST PLASMODIUM BERGHEI IN SWISS ALBINO MICE: IMPLICATIONS FOR HERBAL MALARIA THERAPY

Abstract

Malaria remains a catastrophic public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria accounting for approximately 30.9% of global malaria-related deaths (WHO, 2024). The emergence of partial artemisinin resistance across African countries has intensified the search for novel antiplasmodial agents from medicinal plant sources. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, proximate and mineral content, antiplasmodial activity, acute toxicity, and haematological, biochemical, and histopathological safety profiles of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of ten medicinal plants used in traditional malaria management in Ondo State, Nigeria, against Plasmodium berghei (NK 65) in Swiss albino mice. The plants studied were Anthocleista djalonensis, Azadirachta indica, Cajanus cajan, Crescentia cujete, Lawsonia inermis, Lophira alata, Myrianthus pruessii, Nauclea latifolia, Olax subscorpioidea, and Terminalia glaucescens. Phytochemical screening confirmed alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and cardiac glycosides across all ten plants, with highest alkaloid and saponin content in T. glaucescens stem bark. All aqueous extracts significantly suppressed parasitaemia from Day 1–4, with gradual recrudescence observed thereafter. The polyherbal combination demonstrated activity comparable to chloroquine. Histopathological examination revealed no serious lesions at standard doses, though dose-dependent tissue changes were observed at 300 mg/kg and above. These plants, individually and in combination, exhibit significant antiplasmodial activity underpinned by diverse bioactive constituents. While their safety profile at standard doses supports continued ethnomedicinal use, standardisation, dose optimisation, and mechanistic studies are warranted before clinical translation. These formulations represent a promising strategy amid escalating antimalarial drug resistance.