Development and determination of toxicity of an antimalarial suspension containing combined methanolic extracts of Justica Betonica L. and Aloe Barbardensis

Abstract

Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by infection by plasmodium parasites. The high resistance developing and the huge economic burden associated with management using current conventional medicines necessitates that new agents are needed to rapidly and fully eliminate the parasites with low resistance and reduced side effects. Plants such as Justica Betonica L and Aloe Barbadensis have already been tested and shown to have activity against plasmodium parasites. The combination of the methanol extracts these plants of interest have possible greater activity than when used individually. Objective To develop and determine acute toxicity of an antimalarial suspension containing combined extracts of Justica Betonica L and Aloe Barbadensis Methods Justica Betonica L and aloe Barbadensis leaves were collected, washed and active ingredients extracted. The extracts were screened for phytochemicals present, assessed for acute toxicity using albino rats and then formulated into a suspension which was then assessed for its quality. Results Both extracts of Justica Betonica L and aloe Barbadensis where found to contain alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and glycoside whereas aloe Barbadensis had tannins as well. Combination of the extracts showed mild toxicity in animals treated with a dose of 5000mg/kg as there was mild clinical signs observed and mild histopathological changes i.e. mild nephritis and moderate periportal hepatitis. Those that received 2000m/kg showed no significant toxicity signs. The suspension had a pH of 7.2. Conclusions Combination of extracts tested falls under category 5 according to OECD 425 guidelines and that the combined extracts of the plants are safe up to a dose of 5000mg/kg and the LD50 lies above 5000mg/kg. Thus, individuals who use the combined extracts need to be cautious and should undergo regular kidney and liver function tests for monitoring purposes.