In vivo study of antiplasmodium and histological activity of Garcinia kola and Aloe vera extracts against falciparum malaria

Abstract

This study focuses on testing the efficacy of herbal remedy used in many homes within the South-Eastern part of Nigeria to treat malaria and also the histopathological effect of the remedy on albino rats. Twenty rats were procured and distributed with five rats to one group. Group 1 received Garcinia kola and Aloe vera extracts, Group 2 received only G. kola extract, Group 3 is negative control and Group 4 is positive control. The treatment lasted for 21 days but parameters were monitored on day zero, second, third, fourth and 21st day. There was a sharp weight reduction of the albino rats at the third day, Group 1 recorded 107.21±15.46 as compared to the initial weight which was 116.18±14.94, but later increased at day 21. The weights across the groups at day three was statistically significant (p<0.05). The rats treated with G. kola extract recorded parasite density of 3997.34±0.00 at day 21 while the group 1 had zero parasite density at day 21. This shows that G. kola extract when used with Aloe vera extract will be more effective in the treatment of malaria as to compare when used alone. Histopathological test revealed no features of acute or chronic damage, but more studies are needed.  Key words: Malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, histopathology, Garcinia kola, Aloe vera extracts