Phyto Chemical Screening and Antiplasmodial Potential of Morinda Lucida (Brimstone Leave) In Infected Mice

Medicinal plants with proven chemical properties have been used for centuries as remedies for human diseases most especially those caused by bacterial, fungi, and parasite. Traditional medicine is estimated to be used by 80% of the population of developing countries. This study attempted to investigate phytochemical components and anti-plasmodial activity (in vivo) of Morinda Lucida. The crude extract of the plant's leaves was carried out using aqueous water, this was followed with the phytochemical screening and fractionating process using different solvents. The experimental mice used in this study were subjected to an acute toxicity test with different concentrations of the fractionated leave extract. Albino- Mice behavior, weight loss, and different histological structures of the liver and the kidney served as major indicators for the toxicity. The result revealed no obvious acute toxicities on mice up to the highest (5000mg/kg) dose given. The experimental animal used for the suppressive test were divided into test and control groups, the test groups with an average weight of 18-24g were administered with different concentrations of the extracted leaves at a lower dose( 100mg/kg) and a higher dose (200mg/kg) for four days, the parasite density was determined at day5 and day8 respectively, PCV was also carried out before and after the administration of the extract to determine the blood level. The present result shows the significant reduction of PCV for low and high doses at day five . (P<0.05). The reverse was the case for the methanol, ethyl-acetate, and water fractionated extract where no significant reduction in the PCV and the parasite density was observed ( P>0.05). However, none of the extract concentration was able to clear the parasite completely in the experimental animals. The Morinda Lucida fractionated extract shows the promising effect as an anti-malarial agent, most especially the methanol, ethyl acetate, and the water fractionated extracts at both low and high dosages.