Synergistic Efficacy of Moringa oleifera and Gossypium herbaceum Co-Therapy against Malaria Infection in Plasmodium berghei Inoculated BALB/C Mice
Keywords:
Moringa oleifera, Gossypium herbaceum, malaria, hematological parameters, organ infections, cytokines, oxidative stress indicesAbstract
Despite significant progress in malaria treatment, it remains a major health challenge. The rising cost of conventional drugs in low-income countries has prompted interest in evaluating indigenous alternatives, specifically the leaves of Moringa oleifera and Gossypium herbaceum. The combined extracts of these plants, referred to as MOGH, possess various pharmacological activities, including antiplasmodial, antipyretic, and antianemic properties. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the combined therapy (MOGH) against malaria. We induced malaria infection in mice by administering an intraperitoneal inoculum of P. berghei NK-65 infected red blood cells (RBCs) in a 1:1 ratio with normal saline. The infection was confirmed through daily microscopy of blood smears. Four days post-infection, the mice were grouped and treated as follows: 2% DMSO (vehicle control), 25 mg/kg/day chloroquine, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg/day of MOGH extract. The uninfected group (Sham) received 2% DMSO. All treatments were administered for seven days. Standard procedures were used to analyze parasitemia, pyrexia, hematology, oxidative stress, cytokines, and other biochemical markers. Our results indicated that MOGH co-therapy significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed parasitemia and temperature, leading to improved survival rates. The treatment also increased levels of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and malondialdehyde (MDA) while reducing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Additionally, it exhibited hematopoietic effects. Although some biochemical irregularities were observed, the synergistic antiplasmodial effect of MOGH demonstrates potential as an alternative or adjunctive treatment for malaria infections.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ekaette S. Udoh, Finan K. Odoala, Bassey E. Icha, Abdulhakeem R. Agboola, Sylvester C. Ohadoma, Alpha G. Obadiah, Bala J. Fatimah Bala J. Fatimah (Author)
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