Abstract

Leaf extracts of Lippia multiflora Mold have reputation in Northern Nigeria as remedy for different ailments including fevers attributed to malaria. The plant was hence analysed for safety, antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium berghei in mice, analgesia and anti-inflammatory effects in rats. Crude extracts were further subjected to bioactivity-guided fractionation. The results showed leaf extracts had no adverse side effects at 800 mg/kg body weight (bw) with LD₅₀ value of 3000 mg/kg bw. Significant (p < 0.05) suppressive but only slight curative and prophylactic effects of the crude extracts were obtained with parasitized mice. Also significant (p < 0.05) dose dependent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were obtained in rats treated with the extracts. Fractions obtained from the partial purification of crude L. multiflora Mold, extracts were individually found to be devoid of antiplasmodial action. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and volatile oils.

Key words: Plasmodium berghei, analgesia, anti-inflammatory, bioactivity, prophylaxis, phytochemicals.