Antipyretic and haematomodulatory activities of ethanolic extract from Salacia nitida root bark in Plasmodium berghei-malaria infected mice

Introduction: In southern part of Nigeria, root bark of Salacia nitida is use traditionally in the treatment of malaria. Therefore, this study is designed to evaluate the antipyretic and haematomodulatory activities of ethanolic extract from Salacia nitida root bark in Plasmodium berghei-malaria infected mice. Materials and methods: Fresh roots of S. nitida were collected in February, 2016. Thirty P. berghei-infected mice, divided into five groups containing six mice each were used for the study against another six uninfected control mice. 280, 430 and 580 mg/kg of extract were given to infected mice in groups B, C and D, 4mg/kg of artesunate given to group E mice, while group A and F mice were given 4ml/kg of physiological saline daily for five days. Body temperatures and levels of haematological parameters were evaluated. Results: Results obtained showed significant increase (P < 0.05) in haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte, leukocyte and platelet counts, and decrease in absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts. Body temperatures of experimental mice also decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Therefore, this study suggests that ethanolic extract from S. nitida root bark is effective in treatment of malaria.