Luffa cylindrica (Linn. M. J. Roem) Reduces Oxidative Stress In Vivo in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Albino Mice

Background: Malaria is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, and oxidative stress has been implicated in malaria disease. Luffa cylindrica is an ethnomedicinal plant used to treat various diseases, including malaria. The oxidative stress-reducing potential of L. cylindrica in malaria-disease state of Plasmodium berghei NK-65 parasite-infected mice was carried out in vivo . Methods: Mice were infected with P. berghei NK-65, and the effect of administration of methanolic leaves extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w) of L. cylindrica on percentage parasitemia in blood smear, antioxidant enzymes (catalase CAT, superoxide dismutase SOD, glutathione-s-transferase GST), non-enzymatic antioxidant (reduced glutathione GSH) and malondialdehyde concentration in tissues (plasma, liver, kidneys, and spleen) of mice was investigated and compared to chloroquine and artesunate as reference antimalarial drugs. Phytochemical constituents of the extract were determined by standard methods. Results: Saponins, tannins, terpenes, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides were the phytochemical constituents identified in the extract. The extract at three doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w.) investigated caused a significant reduction ( p < 0.05) of parasite growth with over 90% reduction in parasitemia level in mice infected with the parasite. The extract also ameliorated oxidative stress in mice by significantly ( p < 0.05) increasing the activities of CAT, SOD, and GST in the studied tissues of mice. The level of malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress in mice, was also significantly ( p < 0.05) reduced by the extract. The results were comparable with chloroquine- and artesunate-treated groups. Conclusion: The study concludes that L. cylindrica is an effective therapy for treating malaria and for the management of its oxidative stress-related complications due to its antioxidant properties.