Evidence supporting the use of Combretum nigricans as an antimalarial agent in ethnomedicine

Background: Combretum nigricans (Combretaceae) is a small, smooth bark tree used in traditional medicine for the treatment of prurigo, dysentery, fever and other symptoms acute malaria North-Central Nigeria. Materials Methods: The antimalarial activity C hydro-methanol crude leaf extract was evaluated against Plasmodium berghei mice. Peters’ 4-day suppressive test early infection Rane’s curative established were employed assessing extract. In each model, five groups containing mice used. Group 1 administered with 10 ml distilled water/kg b.w. p.o., 2 - 4 200, 400, 800 mg extract/kg p.o. respectively, while group 5 artesunate mg/kg Result: All doses C. study (200 – p.o.) gave significant (P<0.05) chemosuppressive effect P. berghei, this observed to be dose-related; 400 dose highest effect. Compared control, also prolonged mean survival time at all doses, as well prevented characteristic decrease body temperature elicited by LD50 >5000 Conclusion: result from indicates that nigicans safe orally possesses activity.