Anti-plasmodial and Hematological Effects of Methanol Leaf Extract of Ficus capensis in Plasmodium berghei Infected Mice

Abstract

The plant Ficus capensis, traditionally used in treating ailments such as gonorrhea, dysentery, and fever, has been underexplored for its potential antiplasmodial activity. This study evaluates the antiplasmodial efficacy and hematological effects of the methanol leaf extract of F. capensis on Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65. Peter's 4-day suppressive test was used to assess the anti-malarial activity following oral administration of the extract. Phytochemical screening identified the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, saponins, and alkaloids, many of which have demonstrated bioactive properties in various biological activities. The extract exhibited a significant, dose-dependent reduction in parasitaemia, with 43.18%, 64.13%, and 78.16% suppression at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg, respectively (p < 0.05). The standard anti-malarial drug, chloroquine, significantly reduced parasitaemia to 0.37%, with a suppression rate of 96.33%. Hematological analysis indicated that the extract treatment increased Red Blood Cell count, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, and platelet count, suggesting a protective effect against malaria-induced hematological disruptions. White blood cell (WBC) counts were elevated in parasitized groups but showed a dose-dependent decline in extract-treated mice, indicating a potential immune-modulating effect. These results collectively suggest that F. capensis holds considerable promise as a source of natural anti-malarial agents. It provides hematoprotective effects, which could offer a novel approach to treating malaria and its associated complications. Further studies are warranted to isolate the active compounds responsible for these effects and to evaluate their clinical applicability.

Keywords: Antiplasmodial, Ficus capensis, Hematological, Malaria,  Plasmodium berghei