In-vivo anti-plasmodial activity and toxicity effect of ethanolic extracts of Alstonia boonei And Cympobogon citratus on Plasmodium berghei NK65-infected Swiss albino mice

Background: Continuous emergence of resistance to conventional drugs has increased the need to explore the use of herbal plants as potent alternatives for malaria treatment, since available evidence have shown that many medicinal plants abound that have been used for therapy of various diseases including malaria. Objective: The study determined in-vivo, the anti-plasmodial activity of ethanolic leaf extracts of Alstonia boonei and Cymbopogon citratus in the combined form and its toxicity effect in Swiss albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65. Methods: Intraperitoneal inoculation was employed with subsequent administration of serial dilutions of the extracts of Alstonia boonei and Cymbopogon citratus after 72 hours of infection for four days. Results: The differences in the mean parasite density (mean±SEM) between the negative control the test extracts were statistically significant (p<0.05) indicating their potential therapeutic value. Elevated levels of Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) with slight reduction in urea and creatinine levels were observed which may suggest potential hepatotoxicity. Conclusion: A. boonei and C. citratus extracts showed promising anti-malarial activity for therapeutic applications, especially at concentrations of 1000mg/kg and 300mg/kg. However, further investigations are needed to optimize dosages and assess safety concerns, particularly with regards to liver function and also identify the active ingredients in the extracts. The findings provide valuable scientific evidence supporting the traditional use of these plants in malaria treatment.