Path of Science: International Electronic Scientific Journal

In endemic regions such as Nigeria, malaria persists as a significant public health issue. Researchers may enhance malaria treatment by using natural remedies and synergistic botanical extracts. This study explored synergistic and toxic effects of Carica papaya and Citrus aurantifolia decoction in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Researchers used the Rane's test to evaluate the decoction's efficacy against P. berghei in mice: 40 mice inoculated with P. berghei were randomly grouped into five different groups (A – E); following infection with the protozoan, mice in groups B – E were treated with 0.2 ml decoctions of C. papaya, C. aurantifolia, C. papaya + C. aurantifolia + Artemether, or C. papaya + C. aurantifolia, respectively.

Researchers estimated the level of parasitised red cells using a microscope (Giemsa stain, thin smear), determined the packed cell volume with the microhematocrit method, and examined the stained liver sections. The findings showed that all treatment groups significantly reduced parasitemia, and mice given C. papaya alone achieved the most significant suppression. Nevertheless, the treatment produced no noticeable change in haematological indices. Histopathological examination revealed the hepatoprotective effects of the single treatment with C. papaya decoction. From the findings of this study, a single treatment with C. papaya decoction demonstrated significant anti-plasmodial effects against P. berghei-induced parasitemia and liver damage compared with the combination of decoctions.

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