The prophylactic antimalarial activity of Combretum nigricans hydromethanol crude extract in mice

Background: Malaria has maintained its historic threat to global health, with nearly 40% of the world's population being at risk of its mayhem. The increasing cases of resistance by Plasmodium parasite to the currently available antimalarial agents have led to increased scientific screening of medicinal plants for the possible development of newer agents, both for treatment and chemoprophylaxis against malaria. This study was designed to evaluate the prophylactic antimalarial activity of Combretum nigricans hydromethanol crude leaf extract in mice. Materials and Methods: The prophylactic activity of C. nigricans hydromethanol crude leaf extract was evaluated using the method illustrated by Peters. Six groups containing five mice each were used for the study. Group 1 (control) received distilled water 10 ml/kg b.w. p.o., Groups 2–4 were treated with 200, 400, and 800 mg extract/kg b.w. p.o., respectively, Group 5 mice were treated with chloroquine 10 mg/kg b.w. p.o., whereas Group 6 mice were treated with artesunate 10 mg/kg b.w. p.o. Results: The result showed significant (P < 0.05) chemoprophylactic activity in all treated groups compared with the control group. The chemoprophylactic activity of the extract was 55.4, 61.6, and 79.5% for 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg, respectively. A dose-related increase in mice body weight was also observed in the extract-treated groups. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of several important active principles, including alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids. Conclusion: The present study revealed that C. nigricans hydromethanol crude leaf extract possesses significant chemoprophylactic activity against malaria.