Evaluation of Antiplasmodial Activity of Amaranthus viridis (L) Leaf Extract in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice

Aisha Bilyaminu Yusuf; Sulaiman Kankara Sani; Sani Gidado Mohammed; Umar Lawal

Authors

Aisha Bilyaminu Yusuf Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Nigeria Author
Sulaiman Kankara Sani Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Nigeria Author
Sani Gidado Mohammed Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Nigeria Author
Umar Lawal Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Nigeria Author

Keywords:

Malaria, Plasmodium specie, parasitemia, spectrophotometry, bioactive compound

Abstract

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in tropical regions, due to its morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic impacts. The emergence of drug resistance among Plasmodium species necessitates alternative therapies. This study evaluates the antiplasmodial activity of Amaranthus viridis Linn leaf extract using Plasmodium berghei-infected mice as a model system. Phytochemical screening was conducted to identify bioactive compounds in A. viridis. Mice were inoculated with P. berghei and treated with varying doses of the plant extract. Outcomes included parasitemia levels and survival rates. Gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry (GCMS) was also conducted to ascertain the presence of bioactive compounds. The extract demonstrated significant antimalarial activity, evidenced by reduced parasitemia and improved survival rates compared to untreated controls. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, which are associated with antiplasmodial activity. GCMS studies showed about (33) varying degrees of bioactive compounds that are of pharmacological importance. The findings suggest that A. viridis possesses promising antimalarial properties, mediated by its rich phytochemical composition and antioxidant capabilities. This positions the plant as a viable candidate for developing alternative antimalarial therapies, especially against drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium. Further research is recommended to isolate and characterize specific bioactive compounds from A. viridis, assess its safety profile in long-term studies, and evaluate its efficacy in combination therapies. Expanding this research to clinical trials will help validate its potential for broader therapeutic application.

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