Haematopoietic Potential of Jatropha tanjorensis Leaf Extract in Plasmodium berghi-berghi Infected Mice Treated with Hippocratea africana Root Bark Extract

摘要

The haematopoietic potential of Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract in Plasmodium berghi-berghi infected mice treated with Hippocratea africana root bark extract was investigated. Thirty (21) adult mice weighing 27 - 33g were divided into seven (7) groups with three (3) animals in each group. Group 1 served as normal control while Groups 2 - 7 were parasitized with Plasmodium berghi-berghi and Group 2 was the test control (parasitized and untreated) group. Group 3 was administered 8mg/kg bw of artemether-lumefantrine for 3 days. Group 4 and 5 received daily, 200mg/kg bw and 300mg/kg bw of extracts of Hippocratea africana and Jatropha tanjorensis respectively for 4 days. Group 6 received 8mg/kg bw of artemether-lumefantrine for 3 days followed with 300mg/kg bw of Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract for 4 days. Group 7 was treated with 200mg/kg bw of Hippocratea africana root extract for 4 days followed by 300mg/kg bw of Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract for 4 days. Significant anti-plasmodial activity was observed with artemether-lumefantrine and Hippocratea africana root bark extract administration. Plasmodium berghi-berghi infection induced alterations in haematological indices such as decreased RBC count, platelet count, haemoglobin concentration and heamatocrit and increased WBC count. Administration of Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract showed improved haematological indices particularly in the red blood cell counts and haemoglobin concentration. Jatropha tanjorensis has haematopoietic activity in Plasmodium berghi-berghi infected mice treated Hippocratea africana root bark extract.