Comparative Study on the Effect of an Antimalarial Drug and Ficus capensis Aqueous Leaf Extract on Some Haematological Indices in Albino Rats
Keywords:
Artemether and lumefantrine, Ficus capensis; Albino rats; Haemoglobin; Red blood cell; Packed cell volumeAbstract
Artemether and lumefantrine (AL) is a frontline antimalarial drug but has been reported to have various side effects. Ficus capensis is a plant used by traditional medicine practitioners in Eastern Nigeria for the management and treatment of different disorders, including kidney, heart, and blood-related diseases. Against these backdrops, the effect of AL and Ficus capensis aqueous leaf extract (FCALE) on the concentrations of hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), and packed cell volume (PCV) in albino rats was investigated. Twenty-eight acclimatized albino rats were separated into seven groups of four rats each. Group 1 served as the control group. Groups 2 - 4 were administered 8, 16 and 24 mg/kg body weight (b.w) of AL, respectively; while groups 5 - 7 were administered 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.w of FCALE, respectively, twice daily for 7 consecutive days through oral intubation. There were significant (p<0.05) reductions in the concentrations of Hb, RBC, and PCV in groups 2 - 4 given different doses of the AL, with concomitant significant (p<0.05) higher concentrations in groups 5 - 7 given FCALE, in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control. The findings of this study showed that the AL brand caused reductions in RBC, PVC, and Hb, hence, it may not be suitable for individuals with hematological disorders such as anemia or hemorrhage, while Ficus capensis caused elevations in RBC, PVC and Hb, and could be used in the management of anemia or other blood-related diseases.
Downloads
References
Adebayo-Tayo, B. C. and Odeniyi, A. O. (2012). Phytochemical screening and microbial inhibitory activities of Ficus caponsis. African Journal of Biomedical Research, 15: 35-40.
Agbafor, K. N., Nwaka, A. C., Dasofunjo, K., Asuk, A. A. and Ugwu, M. N. (2017). Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in albino rats treated with aqueous extract of fresh leaves of Morinda lucida. International Digital Organization for Scientific Research Journal of Applied Sciences, 2(2): 10-17.
Ahmadu, A. A., Zezi, A. U. and Yarn, A. H. (2007). Anti- diarrhoeal activity of the leaf extracts of Daniella olivcri Hutch and Date (Fabaccac) and Flew xycomonu Miq. (Moraceac). Journal of Medicine, 4(4): 524-528.
Akomolafe, S. F., Oboh, G., Oyeleye, S. I. and Boligon, A. A. (2016). Aqueous extract from Ficus capensis leaves inhibits key enzymes linked to erectile dysfunction and prevent oxidative stress in rats' penile tissue. Nutrition and Food Science Journal, 4: 15–21.
Ashley, E. A., Stepniewska, K., Lindegårdh, N., Annerberg, A., Kham, A., Brockman, A., Singhasivanon, P., White, N. J. and Nosten, F. (2007a). How much fat is necessary to optimize lumefantrine oral bioavailability? Tropical Medicine and International Health, 12: 195–200.
Ashley, E. A., Stepniewska, K., Lindegårdh, N., McGready, R., Annerberg, A., Hutagalung, R., Singtoroj, T., Hla, G., Brockman, A. and Proux, S. (2007 b) Pharmacokinetic study of artemether–lumefantrine given once daily for the treatment of uncomplicated multidrug-resistant falciparum malaria. Tropical Medicine and International Health, 12: 201–208.
Bhag, G., Azzarello, E., Pollastri, S. and Tattini, M. (2019). Artesunate combinations for treatment of malaria. Meta-analysis. Science, 196: 67–76.
Chotivanich, K., Mungthin, M., Ruengweerayuth, R., Udomsangpetch, R., Dondorp, A. M., Singhasivanon, P., Pukrittayakamee, S. and White, N. J. (2012). The effects of serum lipids on the in vitro activity of lumefantrine and atovaquone against Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria Journal, 11: 1–4.
Daikwo, O. A., Tende, J. A., Okey, S. M., Eze, E. D. and Isa, A. S. (2012). The effect of aqueous extract of leaf of Ficus capensis Thunb (Moraceae) on invivo leukocyte mobilization in Wistar rats. British Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 3(3): 110-114.
Djimdé, A. and Lefèvre, G. (2009). Understanding the pharmacokinetics of Coartem®. Malaria Journal, 8: 1-8.
Elsharkawy, M. M., Shimizu, M., Takahashi, H. and Hyakumachi, M. (2013). The plant growth-promoting fungus Fusarium equiseti and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae induce systemic resistance against Cucumber mosaic virus in cucumber plants. Plant Soil, 361: 397-409.
Ezeigwe, O. C., Okpala, C. O. and Ogana, J. (2020). Comparative phytochemical and nutritional profiles of Ficus capensis and Cnidoscolus aconitifolius Leaves. International Journal of Resource Innovative and Applied Science, 5(1): 16–21.
Hossen, M. J., Kim, M. Y., Kim, J. H. and Cho, J. Y. (2017). AP-1-targeted inhibition of macrophage function and lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine- induced hepatitis by Phyllanthus acidus methanolic extract. American Journal of Chinna Medicine, 43: 1137-1158.
Ibe, O. E., Akuodor, G. C., Elom, M. O., Chukwurah, E. F., Ibe, C. E. and Nworie, A. (2022). Protective effects of an ethanolic leaf extract from Ficus capensis against phenylhydrazine-induced anaemia in Wistar rats. Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology, 11(4): 483-489.
Igoli, J. O., Ogaji, O. G., Tor-Aryiin, A. and Igoli, N. P. (2005). Traditional Medicinal Practices amongst the Igede people of Nigeria. Part 11. African Journal of Tradition Complement, 2 (2): 134-152.
Imoru, M., Shehu, U. A., Ihesiulor, U. G. and Kwaru, A. H. (2013). Haematological changes in malaria-infected children in North-West Nigeria. Turkish Journal of Medical Science, 43(5): 838–842.
Kloprogge, F., McGready, R., Hanpithakpong, W., Blessborn, D., Day, N. P., White, N. J., Nosten, F. and Tarning, J. (2015). Lumefantrine and desbutyl-lumefantrine population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships in pregnant women with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria on the Thailand-Myanmar border. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 59: 6375–6384.
Marwa, K. J., Liwa, A. C., Konje, E. T., Mwita, S., Kamugisha, E. and Göte Swedberg, G. (2022). Lumefantrine plasma concentrations in uncontrolled conditions among patients treated with artemether-lumefantrine for uncomplicated plasmodium falciparum malaria in Mwanza, Tanzania. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 123: 192–199.
Mpiana, P. T., Mudogo, V., Tshibangu, D. S. T., Kitwa, E. K., Kanangila, A. B., Lumbu, J. B. S., Ngbolua, K. N., Atibu, E. K. and Kakule, M. K. (2008). Antisickling activity of anthocyanins from Bombax pentadrum, Ficus capensis, Zizyphus mucronata: Photo degradation effect. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 120: 413-418.
Muanda, N. F., Dicko, A. and Soulimani, R. (2010). Chemical composition and biological activities of Ficus capcnsis leaves extracts. Undefined, 3: 147-160.
Njoku-Oji, N. N., Nwike, C. V., Dimkpa, U., Ifegwu, N. O., Anike, L. C., Maduka, S. O., Sobanke, O. A. and Uchefuna, R. C. (2016). Hematological changes following oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of Ficus capensis in albino rats. International Blood Research and Reviews, 5(1): 1-7.
Obasi, D. C. and Ogugua, V. N. (2020). Effect of Ruzu Herbal Bitters on the Kidney Function and Hematological Parameters of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 11(5): 63–8
Obasi, D. C. and Ogugua, V. N. (2021). GC-MS analysis, pH and antioxidant effect of Ruzu herbal bitters on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, 27: 1-11.
Obasi, D. C. and Ogugua, V. N. (2024). Effect of Ruzu Herbal Bitters on the Liver Function and Lipid Profile Parameters of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology, 14(3): 1-15.
Obasi, D. C., Agbafor, K. N. and Obasi, J. N. (2022). Renal Toxicity and Hematological Effect of Luter (An Antimalarial Drug) in Albino Rats. Asian Journal of Biological Sciences, 15(1): 27-33.
Obianime, A. W. and Aprioku, J. S. (2011). Mechanism of action of Artemisinin on biochemical, haematological and reproductive parameters. International Journal of Pharmacology, 7: 84 - 95.
Ochei, J. and Kolhatkar, A. (2008). Function of red blood Cells. In: Deshmukh S, Bulakh P, editors. Medical laboratory science, theory and practice. 1st ed. New Delhi: McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Limited, pp. 267 - 282.
Ofem, O. E., Essien, N. M and Okon, U. A. (2013). Effects of chloroquine and coartem on haematological parameters in Rats. African Journal of Biomedical Research, 16: 39-46.
Okoro. C. C., Omeluzor, S. U. and Bamidele, I. A. (2021). Effect of brain drain (human capital flight) of librarians on service delivery in some selected Nigerian universities. Sage Open, 1: 11-17.
Olowokudejo, J. D., Kadiri, A. B. and Travih, V. A. (2008). An ethnobotanical survey of herbal markets and medicinal Plants in Lagos State of Nigeria. Ethnobotanical Leaflets, 12: 851-865.
Otitoju, G. T. O., Nwamarah, J. U., Otitoju, O. and Iyeghe, L. U. (2014). Nutrient composition of some lesser-known green leafy vegetables in Nsukka L.G.A of Enugu State. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, 4(4): 233-239.
Otitoju, G. T. O., Nwamarah, J. U., Otitoju, O. and Iyeghe, L. U. (2014). Nutrient composition of some lesser-known green leafy vegetables in Nsukka L.G.A of Enugu State. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, 4(4): 233-239.
Owolabi, O. J. (2013). Active ileum relaxant fractions from the leaves of Ficus capensis Thunb (Moraceae). Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 12(1): 1-7.
Owolabi, O. J., Nworgu, Z. A., Falodun, A., Ayinde, B. A. and Nwako, C. N. (2009). Evaluation of tocolytic activity of ethanol extract of the Stem bark of Ficus capensis Thunb. (Moraceae). Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica ñ Drug Research, 66(3): 293-296.
Oyeleke, S. B., Dauda, B. E. N. and Boye, O. A. (2008). Antibacterial activity of Ficus capensis. African Journal of Biotechnology, 7 (10): 1414-1417.
Oyeleke, S. B., Dauda, B. E. N. and Boye, O. A. (2008). Antibacterial activity of Ficus capensis. African Journal of Biotechnology, 7(10): 1414-1417.
Ramde-Tiendrebeogo, A., Tibiri, A., Hilou, A., Lump, O. M., Millogo- Kone, H., Nacoulma, O. G. and Guissou, I. P. (2012). Antioxidaiivc and antibacterial activities of phenolic compounds from Ficus sur Forssk and Ficus sycomonis L (Moraceae): Potential for sickle cell disease treatment in Burkina Faso. International Journal of Biology and Chemical Science, 6(1): 328-336.
Rouhi-Boroujeni, H., Gharipour, M., Asadi-Samani, M. and Rouhi-Boroujcni, H. (2015). The protective effects of ginger on the development of coronary atherosclerosis: An experimental animal study. Der Pharmacia Letter, 8: 105-109.
Samuel, S. A., Ayobami, D. and Jane, A. E. (2018). Comparative effects of commonly used Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) on reproductive parameters in male Wister rats. Bioequivalence and Bioavailability, 5(2): 122-128.
Ugwu, P. I., Anyaehie, U. B., Ugwu, A, O. and Ofem, O. E. (2021). Impact of two anti-malaria drugs (artequin and chloroquine) on some hematological parameters in wistar rats. International Journal of Medicine and Health Development, 26: 175-182.
Umeokoli, B. O., Onyegbule, F. A., Gugu, T. H. and Igboeme, S. O. (2013). Evaluation of the erythropoietic and anti-sickling properties of Ficus capensis leaf extract in the treatment of anaemia. Planta Medica, 79: 29-36.
Warhurst, D. C., Adagu, I. S., Beck, H. P., Duraisingh, M. T., Kirby, G. C., von Seidlein, L. and Wright, C. W. (2001). Mode of action of artemether lumefantrine (COARTEM): The sole, fixed, oral ADCC and its role in combatting multidrug resistance. The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, 32: 4-8.
World malaria report (2021). Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Additional Files
Published
Data Availability Statement
Research data not available anywhere else
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2026 David C. Obasi, Kingsley N. Agbafor (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
