Hematological Evaluation of Ethanolic Extract of Ficus Sur in Plasmodium Berghei Infected Albino Rats

Background Malaria, caused by Plasmodium berghei, leads to severe hematological alterations such as anemia, leukocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. Ficus sur, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has been traditionally used for various ailments. Objective This research evaluated the hematological impacts of the ethanolic extract of Ficus sur in albino rats infected with P. berghei. Methods Thirty male albino rats (150–200g) were allocated into five groups (n=6). Group 1 (normal control) remained uninfected, but Groups 2–5 were infected with P. berghei (NK 65 strain). Group 2 (parasite control) received no intervention, whereas Groups 3–5 were administered treatments from days 4 to 8 with the ethanolic extract of Ficus sur at dosages of 400 mg/kg (high dose), 200 mg/kg (low dose), and 10 mg/kg of chloroquine, respectively. Hematological parameters, including RBC, WBC, PCV, Hb, platelets, and WBC differential counts, were analyzed on days 4 and 8 post-infection using standard hematological methods. Results By day 4, the N.C. group had the highest RBC (6.14±0.05), PCV (69.95±0.62), Hb (17.96±0.33), and Platelets (4.36±0.03), while P.C. had the lowest RBC (2.84±0.06), PCV (32.54±1.10), Hb (7.58±0.27), and Platelets (3.35±0.04) but the highest WBC (14.41±0.18), neutrophils (26.70±0.70), and lymphocytes (80.66±0.87). By day 8, P.C. RBC dropped further (2.62±0.05), PCV (25.61±0.69), and Hb (5.36±0.22), while N.C. and S.C. maintained high RBC and platelets (~4.32–4.35). Conclusion The ethanolic extract of Ficus sur improved RBC indices and modulated WBC differentials, suggesting its potential as an adjunct therapy for malaria-induced hematological disorders. Keywords: Arteriov Ficus sur; Plasmodium berghei; Anemia; Hematological; Malaria; Leukocytosis