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Effect Of Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract On Lipid Parameters In Wistar Albino Mice Infected With Plasmodium Berghei

Malaria, which is caused by a plasmodium parasite, and transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes is endemic in developing countries especially in Africa where it pose serious health challenge to the populace. This study evaluates the effect of Azadirachta Indica leaf extract on lipid parameters in Wistar Albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. A total of ninety (90) mature male swiss albino mice (free from infection and weighing between 25-35g) were used for the study.

The animals were grouped into six classes (A-F) of fifteen (15) mice per group, per cage. Groups A to C served as the control groups [normal (uninfected plus distilled water), standard (infected plus lonart (4mg/kg) and negative (infected plus distilled water)] respectively while groups D, E and F served as the treatment groups and were orally administered 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses of leaf extract of Azadirachta Indica for five (5) days consecutively. Malaria parasites (Plasmodium berghei, Anka strain) were inoculated using standard methods.

At the end of the experimental periods, the animals were sacrificed and blood collected through cardiac puncture for bioassay studies. Concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoproteins (HDL) as well as low density lipoproteins (LDL) were carried out using standard methods. Results generally showed a significant decrease (p>0.05) in serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL in extract treated animals when compared with the untreated control. It could therefore be concluded that administration of Azadirachta Indica leaf extract has lipid lowering effects and could therefore ameliorate lipid related disorders.

Keywords: Azadirachta Indica, Plasmodium berghei, Malaria, Lipids.