Synergistic effects of Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum methanol-leaf extracts on haematology, liver markers and antioxidant status of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

The present study assessed the antimalarial synergistic effects of methanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum leaves (MEVAOGL) on the haematology and some biochemical indices of Plasmodium berghei-induced malaria in experimental mice. Thirty albino mice grouped into six of five mice each were used for the study. Group 1 served as normal control while groups 2–6 were inoculated intraperitoneally with 0.2 ml of P. berghei parasitized erythrocytes. After 72 hours, groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 received 5 mg/kg b.w. of chloroquine, 400 mg/kg b.w. of O. gratissimum extract, 400 mg/kg b.w. of V. amygdalina, and 400 mg/kg b.w. of mixtures of MEVAOGL respectively for 4 days while group 2 was untreated. Administration of MEVAOGL led to a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the percentage parasitaemia of the treated mice compared to group 2. MEVAOGL increased the RBC count, PCV count, and haemoglobin concentration of the treatment groups significantly (p < 0.05) compared to group 2. The concentrations of white blood cell count in the groups treated with the extracts significantly (p < 0.05) reduced compared to group 2. Administration of the extracts led to significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the activities of liver markers (ALP, AST, ALT) compared to group 2. MEVAOGL significantly (p < 0.05) reduced malondialdehyde in the treatment groups with a corresponding increase in activities of antioxidants (SOD, CAT and GSH) compared to group 2. MEVAOGL promises a new lead when used synergistically in the treatment of malaria as well as complications associated with it.