ObjectiveObjective of the study was to evaluate in vivo anti-plasmodial activities of Combretum molle seed extract.MethodsAs a standard protocol, initially the acute toxicity of the plant seed extract was checked following single administration of crude seed extract of the plant at doses 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg. This was followed by evaluation of anti-plasmodial activity of crude seed extract of the plant following a 4 days suppressive test.ResultsIn acute toxicity study sign of toxicity was not observed. Also physical and behavioural changes were not detected. The crude seed extract of C. molle showed, 63.5% parasite suppression in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) murine parasite and treated with 250 mg/kg of seed extract of C. molle. Relative survival time of mice treated with 250 mg/kg showed significantly longer survival than the negative control, while lower than mice treated with the standard drug, chloroquine. The plant seed extract on day-4 post-infection showed significant (P < 0.05) protection against body weight reduction, high body temperature and hemolysis of RBC at relatively lower doses. At optimum dose the crude extract of C. molle seed has good chemo-suppressive activity against PbA parasite and improved some clinical symptoms of malaria in mice.

Combretum molle (Combretaceae) is widely used traditional medicinal plant for treatment of different illnesses in most parts of Africa. However, its in vivo toxic effect is not evaluated yet. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxic effect of C. molle seed extract on biochemical and hematological parameters using mice. Accordingly, effect of seed extract of the plant on hematological and biochemical parameters and on tissues of different organs were determined. Blood sample collected on the next day of the last dose administration was used for further analysis. Organs were collected in formalin for histological study. Result of the study showed that seed extract of C. molle did not cause significant effects on most red blood cells (RBCs) indices. Also, except eosinophil count, all white blood cells (WBCs) indices showed significant reduction (P<0.05) under use of almost all doses of the seed extract. Level of liver enzymes such as glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (sGOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (sGPT) showed significant increment (P<0.05) in mice treated with different doses of the plant seed extract, while concentration of albumin was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Similarly, significant increament (P<0.05) in levels of kidney function indicators urea and creatinine was observed. At relatively lower dose (125 mg/kg), the crude extract of C. molle seed showed lower effects on haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters. As dose increased, its cytotoxic effect increased.