Effect of Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract on Some Biochemical Parameters in Wistar Albino Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei

The use of medicinal plants in combating many tropical diseases including malaria is gaining wide acceptance owing to their many bioactive compounds. Malaria, which is caused by a Plasmodium parasite, and transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes is endemic in developing countries especially in Africa where it pose serious health challenge to the populace. This study evaluates the effect of Azadirachta indica leaf extract on some biochemical parameters in Wistar Albino mice infected with Plasmodiumberghei. A total of ninety (90) mature male swiss albino mice (free from infection and weighing between 25-35g) were used for the study. The animals were grouped into six classes (A-F) of fifteen (15) mice per group, per cage. Groups A to C served as the control groups [normal (uninfected plus distilled water), standard (infected plus Lonart (4mg/kg) and negative (infected plus distilled water)] respectively while groups D, E and F served as the treatment groups and were orally administered 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses of leaf extract of Azadirachta indica for five (5) days consecutively. Malaria parasites (Plasmodium berghei, Anka strain) were inoculated using standard methods. At the end of the experimental periods, the animals were sacrificed and blood collected through cardiac puncture for bioassay studies. Activities of ALT, AST, ALP were determined using standard assay kits and concentrations of bilirubin (total and direct) as well as urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate levels were carried out using standard methods. Results showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum activities of ALT and AST in extract treated animals when compared with the untreated control while there was significant decrease (p>0.05) in the serum activities of ALP in extract treated animals when compared with the untreated control. Results further showed an increase in the bilirubin (total and direct) levels of the extract treated groups as compared with the untreated control. Similar trends were observed for the levels of urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium and chloride. It could therefore be concluded that administration of Azadirachta indica leaf extract, though potent in fighting against malarial infection, could pose a threat to the liver and other organs of the body if not properly monitored.