title: Inhibition ofIn VivoGrowth ofPlasmodium bergheibyLaunaea taraxacifoliaandAmaranthus viridisin Mice.
abstract: Launaea taraxacifoliaandAmaranthus viridisused by people of Western Africa in the treatment of malaria and related symptoms were assessed for their antiplasmodial value against the chloroquine sensitive strain ofPlasmodium berghei. Crude extracts (200 mg/kg) and chloroquine (5 mg/kg) were administered to different groups of Swiss mice. The percentage of parasitemia, survival time, and haematological parameters were determined. Both extracts significantly (p< 0.05) inhibited parasitemia and improved survival time in infected mice. The crude extracts prevented loss of some haematological parameters.A.viridishad a distinct effect on the packed cell volume. The extract was able to protect the liver from some of the damage. This study however showed that the methanolic extracts ofA. viridisandL. taraxacifoliapossess antiplasmodial activity. The results of this study can be used as a basis for further phytochemical investigations in the search for new and locally affordable antimalarial agents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Adewale
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-1625-3320
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Adetutu
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Olubukola S
authors.initials: OS
authors.lastname: Olorunnisola
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Abiodun O
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-9190-2987
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Owoade
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Adegbola