Evaluation of In Vivo Antiplasmodial Effect of Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts of Tamarindus indica Leaf Against Plasmodium berghei in Albino Mice

Abstract

Malaria remains a significant global health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, where it causes high morbidity and mortality rates. The emergence of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to conventional antimalarial drugs has necessitated the search for alternative therapies, particularly from medicinal plants with known pharmacological properties. Tamarindus indica has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for various therapeutic purposes, including malaria treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the antiplasmodial effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Tamarindus indica leaves in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice using a structured methodology. Fresh leaves of Tamarindus indica were collected, authenticated, air-dried, and ground into a fine powder before extraction using aqueous and ethanol solvents. The extracts were concentrated, and phytochemical screening was conducted to identify bioactive compounds. Healthy mice were acclimatized and divided into five groups: uninfected control, infected untreated control, infected + standard drug (chloroquine), infected + aqueous extract, and infected + ethanol extract. Following parasite inoculation, treatments were administered for four days, and parasitaemia levels were assessed using Giemsa-stained blood smears under a microscope. Data were analyzed statistically to determine mean parasitaemia levels and percentage reduction. Results showed a significant reduction in parasitaemia in treated groups compared to the untreated control. The ethanol extract exhibited a higher percentage reduction (85.71%) than the aqueous extract (82.86%), while chloroquine showed the highest efficacy with a 95% reduction. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of key bioactive compounds, which are likely responsible for the observed antimalarial effects. The findings support the traditional use of Tamarindus indica in malaria management and highlight its potential as a source of novel antimalarial compounds. However, further research is needed to isolate and characterize the active compounds, elucidate their mechanisms of action, and assess their safety and efficacy in clinical trials. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting plant-based therapies as viable alternatives for malaria treatment, particularly in regions with limited access to conventional antimalarial drugs.