Curative antimalarial effects of combined aqueous leaf extracts of Carica papaya, Cymbopogon citratus, and Artemisia annua on mice infected with Plasmodium berghei.

Abstract

The study evaluated the antimalarial effects of combined aqueous extracts of Carica papaya, Cymbopogon citratus, and Artemisia annua on mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Fresh leaves of C. papaya, C. citratus, and A. annua were authenticated and pulverised. Aqueous extracts of each plant were qualitatively and quantitatively analysed for phytochemicals. Acute toxicity of the extracts was also assessed using Lorke’s method. Forty-eight mice were randomised into 8 groups of 6 mice each (n=6) and treated orally with extracts for seven days. The next day, blood samples were analysed for parasitemia counts and biochemical parameters. The mice’s body weight, temperature, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also assessed. Results show phytochemicals were present in the extracts in varying amounts. The combined extract’s LD₅₀ was 3,807.89 mg/kg, with no mortality at tested doses. The extracts showed no significant (p > 0.05) changes in liver function parameters. No significant differences (p > 0.05) in MDA and SOD levels in treated versus control groups overall. Moreover, all extracts had a dose-dependent statistically significant (p < 0.05) percentage reduction of plasmodium in this order: 380.79 mg/kg of C. citratus (63.48%), 190.40 mg/kg of A. annua (61.40%), 380.79 mg/kg of C. papaya (60.88%), and 190.40 mg/kg of combined extract (58.27%). The study established that combined aqueous extracts of the three plants have significant antimalarial activities and negligible toxicities, supporting their application in herbal medicine.