Assessment of the Antiplasmodial and Haematoprotective Potential of a Polyherbal Extract of Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica, and Persea americana Leaves in Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei

Abstract

The polyherbal extract obtained from the leaves of Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica, and Persea americana is traditionally utilized by the Esan people of Edo State, Nigeria, to treat uncomplicated malaria. This study assessed the antiplasmodial and haematoprotective efficacy of the polyherbal extract via in vivo tests utilizing chloroquine-sensitive mice infected with Plasmodium berghei, focusing on parasite count and its effects on haematological markers. The animals were allocated to treatment groups receiving 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of fresh and heated polyherbal extracts, respectively, with chloroquine as the reference drug. The malaria parasite count was conducted via Field's staining method, while the whole blood count was performed with an auto-hematology analyzer. The results of the study revealed a dose-dependent antiparasitic effect of the polyherbal extract, with the 800 mg/kg dosage reducing red blood cell count. Although the malaria parasite count was not significantly different among the treated groups, those receiving 800 mg/kg daily of both heated and fresh extracts showed parasite levels comparable to the normal and chloroquine-treated control groups. No significant differences were observed in the other red blood cell parameters or white blood cell counts across the groups, including the chloroquine-treated group. The group treated with the heated extract at 800 mg/kg showed the lowest average white blood cell count. This study offers significant insights into the therapeutic potential of the polyherbal extract. Additional research is required to clarify the mechanisms behind the reported effects and to investigate the therapeutic benefits of adequately controlling malaria symptoms.