2017, Vol. 5, Issue 5, Part A

Experimental: Parasitized blood donor of Swiss albino mice with at least 1.0 x 10⁷ parasitized red blood cells was used. Suppressive, prophylactic and curative models were investigated. The mean survival time was observed. Evaluation of anti-plasmodial activity of the fractions using the 4-day test was done. The effect of extract on 2, 4-Dinitrophenol (DNP)-Induced pyrexia in adult albino rats (150-180 g) was also evaluated.

Results: Statistically significant dose-dependent reduction in parasitaemia was noted in all three models (p<0.001) when compared to control. The mean survival times were increased in a dose- dependent manner which was statistically significant (p<0.001). N-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions exerted varying degrees of anti-plasmodial activity with methanol being the highest. The extract treated groups showed dose-dependent reduction in temperature that was statistically significant (p<0.05 – 0.001).

Conclusion: The above results provide support for the traditional use of Enantia chlorantha stem bark in treating febrile illnesses such as malaria in Akwa Ibom state. This extract shows a lot of promise and is a good candidate for evaluation as a potential new drug for malaria and other febrile and inflammatory conditions.