ENHANCING IMPACT OF PROSOPIS AFRICANA FRACTION ON BIOCHEMICAL INDICES AND OXIDATIVE BALANCE IN PLASMODIUM BERGHEI-INFECTED MICE

Abstract

This study addresses the ongoing global health challenge of malaria by exploring the therapeutic potential of the Prosopis africana fraction in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Using 42 male mice divided into six groups, including a control group, infected groups without treatment, infected treated with 20 mg/kg bw chloroquine, and infected groups treated with different doses of Prosopis africana fraction at 6.25 mg/kg,12.5mg/kg and 25 mg/kg bw respectively. The mice were induced by NK-65 chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei and administered oral treatment for four days. After the treatment period, biochemical analysis of blood samples and tissues was conducted, focusing on liver and kidney function markers, as well as oxidative stress indicators. Mice infected with Plasmodium berghei exhibited significant alterations in biochemical indices and oxidative balance compared to the control group. However, treatment with Prosopis africana fraction mitigated these changes, restoring biochemical parameters and reestablishing oxidative balance. Notably, the dose at 12.5 mg/kg bw of Prosopis africana fraction demonstrated superior efficacy in reversing the alterations induced by malaria infection. These findings suggest that Prosopis africana fraction holds therapeutic potential in mitigating the biochemical disruptions and oxidative stress associated with malaria infection.