Objective: To evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of leaf extract of
Croton zambesicus
on chloroquine-sensitive
Plasmodium berghei berghei
infection in mice and to confirm its traditional use as a malarial remedy in Africa.
Materials and Methods : The ethanolic leaf extract of
Croton zambesicus (50-200 mg/kg) was screened for blood schizontocidal activity against chloroquine-sensitive
Plasmodium berghei berghei infection in mice. The schizontocidal activity during early and established infections as well as the repository activity were investigated.
Results: The extract demonstrated a dose-dependent chemosuppression or schizontocidal effect during early and in established infections, and also had repository activity. The activity was lower than that of the standard drugs (chloroquine 5 mg/kg, pyrimethamine 1.2 mg/kg/day).
Conclusion: The leaf extract possesses considerable antiplasmodial activity, which can be exploited in malaria therapy.