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Recent ethnomedicinal studies on Bridelia ferruginea Benth (family Phyllanthaceae) as an antiplasmodial remedy have established its potency as a strong prophylactic and chemosuppressive agent. Human consumption of medicinal herbs without adequate evaluation of its efficacy and safety can result in grave physiological and pathological consequences. Therefore, this study assessed the antiplasmodial bioactivity, biochemical, hematological, histopathological and toxicity profile of the ethanolic stem bark extract of B. ferruginea in mice. Ethanolic stem bark extract of B. ferruginea (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) were orally administered to Plasmodium berghei-infected mice in models and were subsequently observed for mortality, behavioral changes and signs of toxicity. Acute evaluation was experimented at 1,000 mg/kg for 28 days. Occult blood obtained from the euthanized mice were subjected to biochemical and hematological assays. A comprehensive assessment of the histology of the liver and kidney was also ascertained. The median lethal dose (LD50) was determined and extrapolated using the regression equation obtained from the plot of the probits of mortalities (y) and the log of doses (log10C). Different concentrations of the phytochemical secondary metabolites were revealed. Antiplasmodial bioactivity was established at the 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of the herbal extract with a dearth in parasitemia at different days post-treatment. The 800 mg/kg group responded by exhibiting a dose-dependent decrease in parasitemia comparable with the chloroquine bi-phosphate group. Significant alterations in the histology of the liver and kidney of the 1,000 mg/kg group was documented. There was a reduction in the titers of LDH, ALT, AST, and urea in the treated group when compared with the control (p < 0.05). Antioxidant profiles were also highly significant with elevation in SOD, GPx, and CAT, but a reduction in MDA. LD50 was established at 424 mg/kg. B. ferruginea Benth (family Phyllanthaceae) is a potent antiplasmodial, antioxidant, regenerative and ameliorative herbal remedy if administered in controlled dosage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Utilization of Morinda lucida for the treatment of ailments such as malaria, diarrhea, infertility in women, and dysentery in many countries including Nigeria is on increase due to its efficiency, availability, and affordability. However, its cytogenotoxicity has not been elucidated. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents and possible genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of M. lucida leaf extract in Swiss albino male mice using bone marrow micronucleus and sperm morphology assays. Methods: Plant materials was collected, thoroughly washed, and air-dried at room temperature prior to maceration. The extract was assessed for the presence of the phytochemical compounds. Swiss albino male mice (Mus musculus) (n=4) were treated with different concentrations of this extract (400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg, and 1200 mg/kg) while distilled water was used as negative control. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed that the extract contains saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, and tannins. We observed micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) and normochromatic erythrocytes (NCE)of 3.20%, 1.10%, and 1.95% at different concentrations of 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg, and 1200 mg/kg respectively in the treated animals. The result showed no significant increase in the frequency of abnormalities (p < 0.05) when compared to the negative control; however, in separate analysis of mono-micronucleated PCE and mono-micronucleated NCE per group, a significant increase at 400 mg/kg and 1200 mg/kg concentrations was observed. The sperm anomalies decreased with increase in concentration. Conclusions: This study recommends 800 mg/kg concentration of the plant extract; however, it should be further and properly investigated as it contains some pharmaceutical components that can be used for pharmacological purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]