Effect of Methanolic Extract of Stem Bark of Anogeissus Leiocarpus on Liver Function of Mice Infected with Plasmodium Berghei

Abstract

The effect of methanolic extract of Anogeissus leiocarpus on the liver funtion of Plasmodium berghe–infected mice was examined. Results showed that serum and liver alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and bilirubin levels were higher in a group treated with 200 mg.kg⁻¹ than those treated with 100 mg.kg⁻¹. P. berghei infection caused noticeable liver impairment that was ameliorated by 100 mg.kg⁻¹ of A. leiocarpus. Treatment of malaria with A. leiocarpus in doses higher than 200 mg.kg⁻¹ body weight must be carefully monitored to avoid liver toxicity.

KEYWORDS:

• Liver dysfunction
• malaria
• liver enzyme

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors thank Dr. A. O. Obembe of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria for helping to identify the plant, and Mr. B. F. Ologunorisa of the same department for assisting in harvesting the plant. We are also grateful to Dr. O. Aina, Department of Parasitology, National Institute for Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.