Prophylactic effect of multi-herbal extract 'Agbo-Iba' on malaria induced in mice

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of a multi-herbal preparation extract of 'Agbo-Iba' on rodent malaria induced in mice.

DESIGN

An experimental design in which mice were divided into four groups A,B,C,D representing control, prophylactic, chloroquine and 'Agbo-Iba' groups respectively. Each mouse was intraperitoneally inoculated with Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis and treated with oral herbal extract or chloroquine syrup depending on group.

SETTING

College of Medicine of the University of Lagos Medical Microbiology and Parasitology Laboratory.

SUBJECTS

One hundred and twenty male and female albino mice aged 10-12 weeks with an average weight of 25 grams.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The herbal extract was effective, preventing the development of parasitaemia in the prophylactic group of mice.

RESULTS

After intraperitoneal inoculation of Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis, a prepatent period of two days was observed before parasitaemia was established in all but the prophylactic group of mice. Induced infection was promptly aborted with oral chloroquine treatment in group C, while in groups A and D, infection terminated fatally. Group B mice appeared normal throughout the duration of investigation with 100% survival rate.

CONCLUSION

'Agbo-Iba' extract has some prophylactic action against malaria induced in mice with no apparent significant side effects.

Formulation of an effective mosquito-repellent topical product from lemongrass oil

Ointment and cream formulations of lemongrass oil in different classes of base and the oil in liquid paraffin solution have been evaluated for mosquito repellency in a topical application. Mosquito repellency was tested by determining the bite-deterrence of product samples applied on an experimental bird's skin against a 2-day starved culture of Aedes aegypti L. mosquitoes. The 1%v/v solution and 15%v/w cream and ointment preparations of the oil exhibited > or =50% repellency lasting 2-3 h, which may be attributed to citral, a major oil constituent. This activity was comparable to that of a commercial mosquito repellent. Base properties of the lemongrass oil formulations influenced their effectiveness. The oil demonstrated efficacy from the different bases in the order of hydrophilic base > emulsion base > oleaginous base.