Effect of Telfairia occidentalis Stem Extract and Fractions on Parasitaemia, Oxidative Stress Markers, Lipid Profile, Hematological Parameters, Liver Function Indices and Liver Histology in Plasmodium berghei Infected Mice

Telfairia occidentalis Hook (Cucurbitaceae family) is a pumpkin widely used for dietary purposes and in traditional healthcare by Ibibios of Nigeria, as remedy for various diseases such as malaria, diabetes, pains among others. Telfairia occidentalis stem extract and fractions activities were assessed in mice for effect on parasitaemia, hematological parameters, oxidative stress, lipid profile, liver function parameters and liver histopathology in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice employing curative test method. The stem extract (200- 600 mg/kg, p.o.) demonstrated significant (p<0.05) dose-related antiplasmodial activity against P. berghei infection and n-hexane fraction was the most potent fraction. The extract/fractions administration showed no effect on any blood parameters except elevation of WBC counts and neutrophil percentages in groups administered with 400 and 600 mg/kg of the extract. The extract/fractions administration had no significant (p<0.05) effect on indices of lipid profile, oxidative stress and liver function of the infected mice relative to control, although there were observable changes. Histology of liver sections revealed moderate decreases in the number of pathological signs observed in the treated infected mice especially in mice groups administered with extract (200,400 and 600 mg/kg) and hexane fraction respectively relative to control infected mice. These findings demonstrate that the stem extract/fractions of Telfairia occidentalis can exert moderate antioxidative stress and liver protective activities due to the low doses used and activities of its phytochemical constituents which could be beneficial in malaria therapy. Further study with higher doses of the extract is recommended.