Abubakar AA; Kolawole, DO; Babatunde, SK; Sunday, O; Ameen, N. (2014). Investigation of Anti-Plasmodium Activity of a Combined Extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum and Aloe barbadensis Leaves. International Journal of Science and Nature. 5(1): 67-70
Abstract
Anti-malaria drug resistance is a major public health challenge causing a serious setback to the roll back malaria programme in Africa. This study therefore attempted to explore the combinatorial effect of Aloe barbadensis and Bryophyllum pinnatum on malaria parasitemia with the aim of producing an effective anti-malaria preparation. Extracts of both plants were prepared at varying concentrations of 10 -1 to 10 -9 mg/ml and were administered orally to Plasmodium berghei infected albino mice. The mode of extract administration was both single, using individual extracts and combined, using mixture of both extracts. The infected animals in test group were given the extract at a dose of 0.5ml per day for 3 consecutive days, the negative control animals were administered with placebo while the positive control animals were treated with Lumefantrine/arthemisinin combination. After the third day, thin and thick blood films were made from the blood collected from the tail of the animal and examined for malaria parasites. Pre and post test malaria parasitemia and test and control malaria parasitemia were determined and compared. At all the concentrations of Aloe barbadensis extract administered, no significant variation in malaria parasitemia was observed before and after application of the extract. Similarly, with Bryophyllum pinnatum extract, data obtained also showed no significant reduction in the density of malaria parasite when post-test density was compared with pre-test. A combination of both extracts however revealed a synergistic effect. Post-application results of the extract indicated that at 10 -1 and 10 -3 mg/ml concentrations, significant reduction in malaria density was recorded when post –treatment malaria density was compared with pre-treatment.(P < 0.05). However none of the extract concentrations was able to clear malaria parasitemia completely in the experimental animal. In conclusion although the combinatorial effect of both plants produced remarkable reduction in malaria parasitemia, no case of complete clearance was recorded KEYWORDS: Combinatorial effect, Natural products, Malaria parasitemia. INTRODUCTION Malaria is the commonest parasitic infection in Africa (Anderson, et al., 1996 and Brewer et al.,1994) and most important cause of death especially among children under five years and pregnant women (Kilama, 2005 and Malaney et al., 2004). Anti – malaria drug resistance is a major public health challenge causing a serious setback to the roll back malaria programme in Africa. Resistance of Plasmodium falciparium to chloroquine had been reported by many researchers. Khan et al. (1978) reported on the rate of chloroquine resistant malaria while Kean (1979) documented P. falciparium resistance to drug in African countries. Sulfadoxine – Pyrimethamine resistance of P. falciparium was reported in Kenya (Wenigar, 1986). Similarly, P. falciparium drug resistant strain was documented in Gabon by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in 1983 (Salako et al., 1984). Malaria resurgence was reported in Kenya (Wenigar, 1986), similarly, P. falciparium drug resistant strain was documented in Garbon by centre for Disease control in 1983 (Salako et al., 1984)). In 1982, American Health Organization documented resistance of P falciparium to combination drug (Markwelder et al., 1983). While P. falciparium resistant to drug combinations such has fansider and other unbranded sulfadoxine/pyrimethamin combinations was also documented in many countries of the world such as Zambia, New Guinea, Colombia Malaysia, Indonesia and Brazil (WHO, 1998). Bryophyllum pinnatum is a common natural product and a perennial herb widely used by traditional healers in many regions of the world. The extract from this plant is effective for use as an immuno – modulator, analgestic, antibiotics, antiulcer, antifungal, sedative, anti viral and anti – inflammatory (Kamboj and Saluja, 2009). Aloe barbadensis is another important medicinal herb that belongs to the family Aloeceae. Also this divine herb composes of gel, concentrate or extract, juice and latex that are all medicinal. It is a bitter herb with anti – inflammatory, astringent, emolient, antifungal, antibacterial antiviral and anti – parasitic properties. (Redbook, 2004 and Krimsky et al., 2003). The application of natural products is gaining popularity daily because of the herbs are readily available and generally affordable (Leonardo et al., 2000). Many countries of the world such as Mali, Vietnam, China, Sri Lanka and India had integrated natural products with orthodox medicine in their health care systems for more effective delivery. (Kazambe and Munyarari, 2006 and Larsen, 1999) Similarly, combination therapy had been reported by some