EFFECT OF DIETARY INCORPORATION OF FICUS GLUMOSA LEAVES (MOUNTAIN FIG) ON BLOOD PLATELETS OF PLASMODIUM BERGHEI INFECTED MICE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in Africa, where it leads to
hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary
incorporation of Ficus glumosa leaves (mountain fig) on blood platelets of Plasmodium berghei
infected mice. Fresh leaves of Ficus glumosa were harvested from the campus of the University
of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Calabar, Nigeria. The leaves were blended and incorporated
into diets at concentrations of 5g, 10g, and 20g per 100g of normal rat chow. A total of 36 mice,
weighing between 23g to 35g, were acclimatized and then inoculated intraperitoneally with 0.2ml
blood suspension containing 10^6 – 10^7 parasitized erythrocytes of chloroquine-sensitive
Plasmodium berghei (NK-65) obtained from the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR),
Lagos. The mice were divided into six groups: groups 1, 2, and 3 received diets incorporated with
5g, 10g, and 20g of Ficus glumosa leaves respectively; group 4 received 5mg/kg BW of Artesunate;
group 5 served as the negative control (parasitized but untreated); and group 6 served as the normal
control (non-parasitized, normal diet). The mice were observed for clinical signs of malaria before
treatment commenced. Results indicated that the mean parasite count varied significantly among
the groups, with group 3 (20g of Ficus glumosa) showing the most substantial reduction in parasite
load. Chemo-suppression was highest in group 3 (61%), compared to the negative control group
(54%). Blood platelet counts also showed significant variation, with group 4 (Artesunate) having
the highest mean platelet count (1603.000 ± 0) and group 1 (5g of Ficus glumosa) having the
lowest mean count (216.800 ± 186.2235). In conclusion, the incorporation of Ficus glumosa leaves
into the diet of Plasmodium berghei infected mice resulted in a reduction in parasite load and
significant variation in blood platelet counts. These findings suggest that Ficus glumosa leaves
have potential antimalarial properties and could be considered for further research as a
complementary treatment for malaria.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.