Comparative Studies on Amelioration of Renal and Hepatic Functions by Essential Oil of Picralima nitida Seeds and Azadirachta indica Leaves in Mice Infected by Plasmodium berghei (NK-65)

Abstract

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, remains a major global health concern, with increasing drug resistance necessitating alternative treatments. This study evaluates the effects of essential oils from Azadirachta indica leaves and Picralima nitida seeds on liver and kidney function indices in Plasmodium berghei (NK-65)-infected mice. Essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation and assessed for oral acute toxicity, parasite load, haematological parameters, and organ function. Toxicity tests at doses up to 5000 mg/kg body weight showed no adverse effects, indicating a promising safety profile. At 300 mg/mL, both oils reduced parasitaemia to 0% within 72 hours, whereas untreated mice exhibited 9.60% parasitaemia. Treated mice showed significant improvements in packed cell volume (PCV: 34.9%–44.5%) and white blood cell count (0.6–0.8 ×10⁹/L), compared to lower values in the untreated group (PCV: 12.2%, WBC: 0.1 ×10⁹/L). Liver function markers, including AST, ALT, ALP, total protein, bilirubin, and albumin, aligned closely with chloroquine-treated controls, indicating maintained hepatic health. Kidney function markers (sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, creatinine) were also comparable to the control group. These findings suggest that A. indica and P. nitida essential oils are non-toxic and effective in mitigating malaria-induced organ dysfunction. Their biochemical effects mirror those of chloroquine, supporting their potential as alternative antimalarial agents. Further studies should explore clinical trials, mechanism elucidation, and combination therapy efficacy.