Impact of Cnidoscolus Aconifolius (chaya Leaf) on the Biochemical and Hematological Parameters of Plasmodium Berghei Infected Mice

ABSTRACT The therapeutic efficacy of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, a medicinal plant, was investigated for its potential in reducing infection-related biochemical and hematological abnormalities. The study aimed to assess its effects on various biochemical markers and hematological markers, which serve as indicators of infection severity and the plant extract's therapeutic efficacy on Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. The methanol leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius was tested using sixteen mice divided into six groups: extract control, positive control, negative control, and three groups administered doses of 100 mg/kg body weight (bw), 200 mg/kg bw, and 400 mg/kg bw of the extract.The percentage yield of the extract was found to be 4.50%, yielding 18.01g from 400g of macerated leaves.The negative extract control group exhibited severe anemia, with hemoglobin (HB) levels at 5.53 ± 0.33 g/dL. Treatment with 400 mg/kg of the extract significantly improved HB to 18.65 ± 0.20 g/dL and packed cell volume (PCV) to 43.00 ± 0.50%. Additionally, red blood cell (RBC) and platelet counts were improved. C. aconitifolius extract significantly enhanced hematological parameters, particularly at the 400 mg/kg bw dosage, outperforming Artesunate in HB levels. Biochemical analysis demonstrated marked reductions in elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) among treated groups, with improvements in total protein and albumin levels, especially at the 400 mg/kg bw dose. Kidney function also showed significant improvement, evidenced by reductions in creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels. Overall, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius extract shows strong potential for improving blood disorders and supporting liver and kidney health in infected mice, indicating it could serve as an effective natural treatment for blood-related issues.