An evaluation of Guiera senegalensis as a common herbal antipyretic and antimalarial among some tribal groups in northern Nigeria

Abstract

Guiera senegalensis is acclaimed as a common herbal antipyretic and antimalarial among some tribal groups in northern Nigeria. Leaf extracts of the plant were thus tested for antiplasmodial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. Results indicated the safe dose of extracts as 600 mg/kg body weight of mice with LD₅₀ of 1100 mg/kg bw. Only the methanolic fraction had antiplasmodial effect while ethylacetate and hexane fractions were ineffective. Furthermore the methanolic extract produced a significant (p<0.05) suppression of up to 67.52% levels. The extracts had no prophylactic effect and high parasitaemia including mortality of sub-inoculated mice were obtained on day 14 post treatment. It gave 44.83% analgesic effect but was devoid of anti-inflammatory activity. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins and flavonoids.