EVALUATION OF ANTIPLASMODIAL ACTIVITY OF CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS METHANOL EXTRACT IN MICE

Malaria remains one of the most life-threatening parasitic diseases globally, with Nigeria accounting for nearly a quarter of the global burden. The emergence of drug-resistant plasmodium falciparum strains has created an urgent need for novel, affordable, and safe antimalarial agents. This study evaluated the antiplasmodial activity of methanolic extract of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) leaves in malaria-infected mice. Fresh leaves were collected, authenticated, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using methanol. The extract was screened qualitatively and quantitatively for phytochemicals. In vivo antimalarial assay was conducted using four experimental groups—two treated with extract doses (200 and 400 mg/kg), a standard drug group, and an untreated control. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. Quantitative assays showed saponins as the predominant constituent (151.17 mg/100 g). Treatment with C. citratus extract produced a significant, dose-dependent reduction in parasitemia, with near-complete parasite clearance at 400 mg/kg after 14 days, comparable to chloroquine. The extract also improved the body weight of infected mice. These findings support the ethnomedicinal use of lemongrass and suggest its potential as a source of bioactive compounds for developing new plant-based antimalarial drugs, particularly in resource-limited settings. Keywords: Cymbopogon citratus, antimalarial activity, Plasmodium parasite, phytochemicals, methanolic extract.