Abstract
Malaria is a severe and often fatal disease with significant global health implications. Malaria control has become a major challenge, especially in malaria-endemic countries, due to the emergence and widespread use of antimalarial drug resistance, including resistance to even the first-line treatment regimen (ACTs) recommended by WHO, a lack of effective and available vaccines, and a lack of effective vector control, especially in rural communities. This is therefore a compelling reason to search for new therapeutic approaches and strategies to control the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the antimalarial as well as the ameliorative effects of Senna occidentalis in a Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected ICR mouse model of malaria. Antimalarial activity was assessed by the 4-day suppression assay. Ameliorative effects of Senna occidentalis against oxidative stress and inflammatory responses were assessed by analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, survival studies were carried out by determining the mean survival time (MST) of malaria-infected mice after treatment. Senna occidentalis extract, especially at 400mg/kg and in combination with Artesunate (20mg/kg), showed significant parasitemia reduction (67.6% and 87.9%) and higher mean survival time (31.0±1.41 and 34.7±2.16) compared to the malaria untreated group. MDA and INF a were lower in malaria-treated groups with Senna occidentalis extract compared to the malaria untreated groups. Senna occidentalis extract reduced parasitemia and showed inhibition of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory reactions in malaria.