Abstract:
This study on the antiplasmodial activity and immunomodulatory effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Tithonia diversifolia in Swiss Albino mice was carried out from July, 2015 to January, 2016. Standard methods were used to determine the phytochemicals, acute toxicity, antiplasmodial activity, haematological assay, serum biochemical assay and histopathological effect of ethanolic leaf extract of T. diversifolia in Swiss albino mice. Qualitative screening revealed the presence of saponin, alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin and cardiac glycoside while the quantitative screening revealed the presence of tannin (0.39mg/100g), flavonoid (0.87mg/100g), cardiac glycosides (1.19mg/100g), alkaloid (1.23mg/100g) saponin (1.37mg/100g). The toxicity test showed no mortality at highest dosage of 1600mg/kg body weight administered. Thirty experimental mice were randomly distributed into 6 groups for antiplasmodial activities. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were infected with P. berghei and treated with 0.2mL of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg body weight of T. diversifolia extract respectively. Group 4 (positive control) was infected with P. berghei and treated with 0.2mL of 5mg/kg body weight of chloroquine. Group 5 (negative control) was infected with P. berghei and treated with 0.2 mL of normal saline and group 6 (normal control) was not infected and administered with 0.2mL of normal saline. The ethanolic leaf extract of T. diversifolia produced percentage chemo-suppression of parasitaemia of 60.02%, 63.45% and 92% at doses of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg body weight in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Group 4 (positive control) and group 5 (negative control) having 100% and 0.0% chemo-suppression respectively. The red blood cells, white blood cells, packed cell volume, platelets and haemoglobin concentration of experimental mice in extract treated groups (1-3) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than negative control group. Treatment with extract of T. diversifolia produced significant reduction in alanine amino transferase (ALT) and cholesterol in groups 1-3.
