The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2021;10(2):84-88 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2021.10203

Research Article

In vivo antiplasmodial evaluation of methanol mesocarp extract of Citrillus lanatus in Plasmodium berghei berghei infected mice.

Ettebong EO¹ , Inyang GB² , Bassey AIL¹ , Udobang JA¹ , Thomas PS³ , Essien EG² , Ubulom PE⁴ , Obot DN¹

Ettebong EO,Inyang GB,Bassey AIL,Udobang JA,Thomas PS,Essien EG,Ubulom PE,Obot DN

1. Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
2. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
3. Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, University, Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
4. Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Uyo, Nigeria

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 3rd October, 2020 / Accepted: 16th January, 2021

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo antiplasmodial activities of the methanol mesocarp extract of Citrillus lanatus in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei berghei. Materials and Methods: The extract (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) was administered orally to mice and were assessed in suppressive, repository and curative tests using Chloroquine (5 mg/kg) and Pyrimethamine (1.2 mg/kg) as positive controls. Results: A dose-dependent, significant (p < 0.001) antiplasmodial effect was recorded in the suppressive test relative to control. The extract also demonstrated a dose-dependent, significant (p < 0.01 – 0.001) prophylactic and curative effects when compared to the controls. These antiplasmodial effects of the extract compared favourably with those of the standard drugs. The extract in addition, increased the mean survival times of the infected mice. Conclusions: The methanol mesocarp extract of C. lanatus possesses antiplasmodial activities, thereby corroborating its use in natural medicine in the treatment of malaria.