Objective: To evaluate the
in vivo antiplasmodial activity of the ethanol leaf extract of
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
in the treatment of various ailment in Niger Delta region of Nigeria, in
Plasmodium berghei infected mice.
Materials and Methods: The ethanolic leaf extract of
Stachytarpheta cayennensis (90-270 mg/kg/day) was screened for blood schizonticidal activity against chloroquine sensitive
Plasmodium berghei berghei in mice. The schizonticidal effect during early and established infections was investigated.
Result: Stachytarpheta cayennensis (90-270 mg/kg/day) exhibited significant (
P < 0.05) blood schizonticidal activity both in 4-day early infection test and in established infection with a considerable mean survival time comparable to that of the standard drug, chloroquine, 5 mg/kg/day.
Conclusion: The leaf extract possesses significant (
P < 0.05) antiplasmodial activity which confirms it′s use in folkloric medicine in the treatment of malaria.
