Antimalarial activities of Breynia Nivosa

Background & Aim: Antiplasmodial activity of leaf extract of Breynia nivosa was evaluated to ascertain the folkloric claim of its antimalarial activity. Experimental: The crude leaf extract (75 – 225 mg/kg), of Breynia nivosa was investigated for antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infections in mice. The antiplasmodial activity during early and established infections as well as prophylactic were investigated. Artesunate 5 mg/kg and pyrimethamine 1.2 mg/kg were used as positive controls. Thin films made from tail blood of each mouse were used to assess the level of parasitaemia of the mice. Results & Discussion: The extract dose-dependently reduced parasitaemia induced by chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infection in prophylactic, suppressive and curative models in mice. These reductions were statistically significant (p<0.001). They also improved the mean survival time (MST) from 11 to 27 days relative to control (p<0.01 – 0.001). The activities of extract was comparable to that of the standard drugs used (pyrimethamine). The antiplasmodial and antipyretic effects may in part be mediated through the chemical constituents of the plant. Industrial and practical recommendations: The plant, Breynia nivosa, possesses antimalarial property which can be exploited in the treatment of malaria.