In vivo anti-plasmodial and cytotoxic activities of Combretum Molle (Combretaceae) Seed extract in Swiss albino mice

Abstract

Background: Combretum molle (Combretaceae) seed has been traditionally used for treatment of malaria and other aliments in Gambella region, Ethiopia. Thus, aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo cytotoxic and anti-plasmodial activities of C. molle plant using mice. Methods: The acute toxicity study was conducted using single dose administration of crude seed extract of the plant at different doses. Also effect of the extract on hematological and biochemical parameters, and tissues of different organs were assessed. Furthermore,antiplasmodial activity of the seed crude extract, its chemo-suppressive potential, and protection against some clinical symptoms was assessed. Results: Acute toxicity study didn‟t show any observable effects in mice under all doses. The crude seed extract of C. molle showed 63.5% of parasite suppression in Swiss albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) parasite at dose 125mg/kg. Relatively survival time of mice treated with the same dose showed significant increment compared to the negative control. But, significantly lower than mice treated with standard drug, chloroquine (CQ). On the day-4 post-infection (p.i) the plant extract showed significant (P<0.05) protection against body weight reduction, high rectal temperature and haemolysis of RBC at relatively lower doses. However, it was not significantly different from mice group treated with CQ. Findings from haematological study showed that seed extract of C. molle did not cause significant effects on most red blood cells indices, while except eosinophil all white blood cells (WBCs) indices showed significant reduction (P<0.05) under use of almost all doses. Also, level of liver enzymes such as glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (sGOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (sGPT), showed significant increment (P<0.05) in mice treated with different doses of the plant extract, while level of albumin was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Similarly, significant increament (P<0.05) in levels of kidney function indicators: urea and creatinine was observed. Conclusion: The study revealed thatat lower dose (125mg/kg) crude extract of C. molleseed has lower toxicity on haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters. Also at this dose, high chemo-suppressive activity against murine malaria parasite (PbA) was documented. Thus further isolation andin vivo evaluation of active components of the plant is recommended.