Evaluation of the in vivo anti-plasmodial activity of ethyl-acetate extract of Cassia occidentalis leaf in Plasmodium berghei – infected mice

Background: Malaria is undoubtedly one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. It is a widespread disease that continues to be associated with considerable morbidity and mortality with a significant social and economic impact in developing countries. This study was aimed at evaluating the therapeutic effect of the ethyl acetate extract of Cassia occidentalis in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Methods: Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out, using standard methods. Acute oral toxicity (LD50), as well as both suppressive and curative antiplasmodial test, was carried out. Results: Flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and phenolic compounds were found to be present in the extract. The median lethal dose (LD50) was calculated to be ≥ 5000mg kg-1 body weight. Percentage suppression of parasitaemia was calculated to be 37.84, 42.84, 77.88, 83.06 and 0.00 %, with mean survival period (in days) of 6.00±0.58, 12.33±1.45, 26.33±2.03, 29.00±1.00 and 4.33±0.88 for groups treated with 100, 200, 400 mg kg-1 bodyweight of the extract, 5 mg kg-1 body weight of chloroquine and negative control group respectively. The percentage inhibition of parasitaemia in the curative test was calculated to be 42.38, 47.67, 79.17, 81.99 and 0.00 %, with mean survival period (in days) calculated to be 7.67±1.45, 15.00± 1.73, 25.33±1.86, 29.00±1.00 and 5.00± 1.53 for groups treated with 100, 200, 400 mg kg-1 bodyweight of the extract, 5 mg kg-1 body weight of chloroquine and the negative control group respectively. It was observed that there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in percentage packed cell volume (PCV) in the treated groups compared to the untreated group. Conclusion: The result of this study showed that ethyl acetate extract of Cassia occidentalis leaf possess appreciable antiplasmodial effect and justifies its traditional use as an herbal remedy against malaria and may, therefore; offer a potential drug lead for the development of a safe, effective and affordable antimalarial.