Objective: To investigate the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of ethanolic leaf extract
of Byrsocarpus coccineus in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Methods: Curative
effect against established infection and suppressive activity against early infection
were screened. Results: The extract (100,200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) has significant
(p<0.05) dose dependent activity against the parasites in the curative and suppressive
tests. The extract also prolonged the survival time of the infected mice. The oral
LD50 values were greater than 5000 mg/kg in mice. Conclusion: The result shows that the
extract possesses considerable antiplasmodial activity which can be exploited in malaria
therapy.
Key-words:
Byrsocarpus coccineus - Medicinal plant - Antiplasmodial activity - Pasmodium berghei
- Mice.
