Antimalarial potency of the methanol leaf extract of Maerua crassifolia Forssk (Capparaceae)

ObjectiveTo investigate the in vivo antiplasmodial effect of methanol leaf extract of Maerua crassifolia in mice infected with chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei.MethodsThe extract was evaluated for activity against early infection, curative effect against established infection at dose levels of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. Chloroquine at 10 mg/kg was used as standard drug.ResultsA dose dependent chemo-suppression of the parasites was obtained at different dose levels of the extract tested with a considerable mean survival time.ConclusionsThe results support continued investigation of components of traditional medicines as potential new antimalarial agents.