Potency of Ficus Exasparata Leaf Extract on Albino Mice Infected with Plasmodium Berghei Berghei

Introduction

Malaria is one of the greatest menaces to humans that is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles Mosquito. The species of plasmodia that poses this threat are Plasmodium falciparum, P. malarial, P. ovale, P. vivax, and P. Knowlesi [1] of the four species that infected humans, P. falciparum and vivax account for 95% of infections, P. vivax has the widest distribution, extending throughout the tropics, subtopics, and temperate zones. P. falciparum is confirmed to the tropics, P. malarial is sporadically distributed as P. ovale is rare in much of the world but relatively common in Western Africa. In India, P. vivax and P. falciparum are very common; a few cases of P. malarial and P. ovale have been reported Arora DR, et al. [2]. P. knowlesi rarely occurs in human. It was first discovered in monekys [3]. P. berghei is used in the laboratory as a practical model organism for the study of human malaria organism for the aim of developing a new management measure for the control and prevention of malaria [4]. Malaria is a serious public health problem in the world. In 2015, and estimated 214 Million new cases was recorded, 228 Million cases in 2018 worldwide resulting in an estimated 405,000 deaths with 93% of the cases and 94% of the deaths occurred in Africa of which, more than two-third of the malaria deaths occurred in children under 5 years [5]. Nigeria accounts for 27% of the total African Malaria Burden [5]. Malaria is associated with poverty and economic growth is highly hindered. Nigeria losses over 200

Billion naira annually to the battle against malaria in form of treatment costs, prevention and lose old man hours [6].

The greatest global concern now is the rapid spread of Plasmodium falciparum and its resistance to Artemisinine Combination Therapies (ACTs) which is used as a first line anti-malarial therapy [7]. The use of traditional herbal medicine as a possible alternative to the cure if malaria is pertinent as it is mostly available, affordable, cheap, and effective with minimal side effects in clinical experience compared to other drugs [8].

Ficus exasparata - This specie belongs to the family Moraceae. It does not produce a milky sap when cut but does produce a sticky rather viscid sap. The baric is smooth, grey phyllotaxy is alternate and leaves are rather variable in mormophilogy from being lobed to ovate and even obovate elliptic. The surface of the leaves is rough to the touch, lance the common English name, “Sand Paper tree”. In Nigeria, this plant is traditionally known as Ameme in Edo State, Omeni in Etsake etc. [9]. Extracts from this plant has been used as medicine by indigenous people for the treatment of hypertension, arthritis, peptic ulcer and pre-term labour for more than 300 years [9].

Collection of Specimens for Examination

This treatment was applied once daily for six days. On the 6th day, the samples collected through cordial puncture using sterile syringes and needles. Bleed smear were made, stored with Giemsa for microscopic examination.

Results

The result as shown from the (Tables 1-6) below revealed that seven phytochemicals were analyzed. Five were tested positive. They are; tannis, flavonoids, saponins, glycobides and steroids while phlobactannins and alkaloids are tested negative. The percentage parasitemia for each of the albino mice used in test group A1 has 4,4.5.4.4 and 4 with an average percentage of 4.1 at treatment level 100mg. While that of test group A2 has 2.5, 3,2.5,2.5 and 3 with an average percentage of 2.7 at treatment level 200mg. The control group B1 shows a high parasite count with an average percentage parasitemia of 10.7 due to no treatment. The r(cal)-0.88 is less than the critical value 0.6319 at significant level 0.05. Therefore there is no significant difference between treatment A1 at 100mg and control level. Hence the extract was effective against the parasite. Also, the calculated value (rcal)- 0.41 which is less than the critical value 0.6319 at 0.05 significant levels. Therefore, there is also no significant difference between the 200mg treatment and the control.

Discussion

The antiplasmodial effects of Ficus exasparata extract against Plasmodium berghei show that at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, the extract was effective by reducing the mean parasitamia in the albino mice. The suppressiveness of the extract leads to the drastic reduction of the mean parasitamia in the albino mice by 2.7% and 10.7% respectively. The use of plant extract has gone a long way in the combat of Plasmodium berghei. The work of Peters W [16] reported that the bark and seed of Khaya sensgalensis have been found to be active against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. The work of Egwin EC, et al. [17], also reported suppressive activity of ethanoic extract of Hyptis suoveolens against Plasmodium berghei in mice. The ethanoic leaf extract of Ficus exasparata analysed contained Tannins, Flavonoid, Saponins, Glycosides and Steriod. This is in line with Olafadehan OA, et al. [18] that reported the presence of these components in Daniella oliveri. Also revealed the presence of Alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds [19]. These phytochemicals present in the extracts could be responsible for antiplasmodial activity as reported by Iwu MM, et al. [20] who observed that Quinine, an alkaloid, is popular for its antimalarial activities against plasmodium. Amoa Onguéné P, et al. [21] also concluded that pure compounds with antimalarial activities are mainly alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarines, phenolics, polyacetylenes, xanthones, quinones, steriods, and lignans.

Conclusion

The presence of these phytochemicals in the Ethanoic extract of Ficus exsparata in this study supports the efficacy as an antimalarial for use in traditional medicine for malaria and other illness similar to malaria. A further research is recommended on the efficacy and hematological effect of the plant.

Acknowledgements

We humbly appreciate all Technologist and cleaners of Biology Laboratory, Bayelsa Medical University for their tremendous assistance in the course of this research work.

Competing Interests

No competing interests.