Evaluation of Antimalarial Efficacy and Safety of Boswellia dalzielii Leaf Extract in Plasmodium berghei (NK-65)-Infected Mice
2025
Mankilik, Mary M. | Parah, Yunana Nehemiah | Paul, Joel | Abaya, Peace Ori | Mhya, Daniel H. | Otitoju, Akinbobola P. | Longdet, Ishaya Y.
Due to the malaria parasite's resistance to drugs, the use of medicinal plants in malaria treatment in Africa remains the most alternative option. The plant ‘Boswellia dalzielii’ was reported with antimalarial potential. However, little is known about the antimalarial properties of its root leaf. The study aimed to assess antimalarial effectiveness and safety of Boswellia dalzielli leaf extract in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei (NK-65). Fresh Boswellia dalzielii leaves were washed, air-dried, powdered, and macerated in distilled water for 48 hours. The concentrated butanol extract was used for phytochemical screening, toxicity testing, and in vivo antimalarial evaluation. Eighteen Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups of 3 rats each: P. berghei-infected treated with a standard drug, P. berghei-infected untreated, P. berghei-infected treated with 100 mg/kg extract, P. berghei-infected treated with 200 mg/kg extract, P. berghei-infected treated with 400 mg/kg extract, and uninfected untreated control. Parasitemia, packed cell volume, and mean survival time were measured to assess antimalarial activity. The phytochemical study revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponin, balsam, carbohydrates, and phenol. Acute toxicity testing confirmed the extract's safety. In vivo investigations showed a significant increase in mice weight, decrease in parasite levels, and restoration of PCV in a dose-dependent manner. Boswellia dalzielii extract at 400 mg/kg increased the average survival time to 18 days surpassing the standard drug's 17 days’ duration and showing an antimalarial effect comparable to the standard drug (chloroquine phosphate 25 mg/kg). The study found that Boswellia dalzielii leaf extract is safe and contains chemicals with antimalarial activity.
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