Abstract

Background: Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, remains a significant public health concern in tropical regions, including Nigeria. The increasing resistance of Plasmodium species to conventional antimalarial drugs necessitates the search for alternative therapies from medicinal plants. Vitex doniana is traditionally used for malaria treatment, but its biochemical effects remain underexplored. This study investigates the phytochemical composition, toxicity, and hepatorenal effects of methanol extracts of V. doniana leaves in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice.
Methods: Preliminary qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were conducted to identify bioactive constituents. Acute toxicity (LD₅₀) was assessed up to 5000 mg/kg body weight. P. berghei-infected mice were treated with V. doniana extract, and hepatorenal parameters, including liver enzyme activities (ALT, AST, ALP), total bilirubin, kidney function markers (urea, creatinine), and serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium), were evaluated.
Results: Phytochemical screening revealed moderate levels of steroids, carbohydrates, glycosides, proteins, and flavonoids, while phenolics, terpenoids, and tannins were present in high concentrations. Saponins were not detected. The extract exhibited no acute toxicity up to 5000 mg/kg. Treatment significantly reduced (p < 0.05) parasitemia levels compared to the untreated group. Hepatorenal assessment showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin levels, indicating hepatoprotective effects. Similarly, kidney function markers (urea and creatinine) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05), suggesting nephroprotective properties. Serum electrolyte analysis revealed increased sodium and potassium levels in treated groups compared to untreated controls.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the phytochemical richness of V. doniana leaves and their potential therapeutic benefits. The extract demonstrated no acute toxicity and exerted significant hepatorenal protective effects, reducing liver and kidney dysfunction in P. berghei-infected mice. Also, its modulation of serum electrolytes suggests a role in maintaining physiological homeostasis. This study provides scientific validation for the traditional use of V. doniana in malaria treatment and supports its potential as a safe and effective natural remedy for malaria-induced hepatic and renal dysfunction.

Keywords

Plasmodium berghei-infected mice