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

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.