Ameliorating Potentials of Methanol Extract of Psorospemum fabrifugum Leaves on Malaria and Yeast-Induced Fever in Wistar Mice

Abstract

Background and Aim: Malaria remains a significant global health concern, with fever being a hallmark symptom, while fever, often caused by various infections, poses additional health challenges. This study addresses the need to explore natural remedies for these conditions, focusing on the methanol extract of Psorospermum febrifugum leaves. The primary aim of this research is to investigate the effects of the extract on malaria-induced fever and yeast-induced fever in Wistar mice. Additionally, the study includes a phytochemical analysis and the acute toxicity test of the extract. Methods: Malaria parasitaemia (Plasmodium berghei) was obtained from a malaria infected mice gotten at Veterinary Medicine Department in University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The main study involved 45 Wistar mice weighing between 20 g and 32 g and was divided into two sets of animals. The first set was used for anti-malaria and the fever induced by plasmodium beighe inoculation, while the second group was for the antipyretic activity induced by yeast. Results: In the anti-malaria study, Psorospermum febrifugum leaves extract showed a dose dependent significant reduction of the parasitaemia count (p <0.05) for the first, second and the third day of treatment. Within the three days of the study, the temperature check showed a dose-dependent significant difference (p <0.05); the 400 mg/kg of the extract and the Arthemeter (standard drug) at 5 mg/kg, showed significant reduction against the negative control group. In the yeast-induced fever, after the single treatment, 200 mg/kg of the extract exhibited a significant reduction (p <0.05) at 1 hr and 2 hr after treatment compared with the control, while the 400mg/kg of the extract showed significant reductions (p <0.05) at 30 min, 1 hr, and 2 hr post-treatment. Paracetamol at 100 mg/kg also showed a statistical significant reduction (p <0.05). Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that the extract has potential as a treatment for malaria-induced fever due to its significant impact on parasitaemia levels. It also demonstrates antipyretic properties in yeast-induced fever, indicating its potential as an antipyretic agent for various infections.