Nephroprotective and Antimalarial Effects of Azadirachta indica and Cymbopogon citratus Ethanolic Leaf Extracts in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice

Abstract

Malaria remains a major public health burden, especially in developing countries, with rising resistance to conventional antimalarial drugs. This study investigated the nephroprotective and antimalarial effects of ethanolic extracts of Azadirachta indica (EAI) and Cymbopogon citratus (ECC) in adult male Swiss albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Forty mice were randomly assigned into eight groups (n = 5). All groups were induced with malaria except Group A, which served as the normal control. Group B was infected but untreated. Groups C and D received 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of EAI, respectively. Groups E and F received 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of ECC. Group G received 20 mg/kg/day of standard drug (Lonart®), while Group H received a combination of 500 mg/kg each of EAI and ECC. Treatments were administered orally for 14 days. Body weight increased significantly in Group A but showed no significant change in other groups. Relative kidney weights and urea levels varied insignificantly. Uric acid and creatinine levels significantly decreased in all treated groups compared to the untreated group. Parasitemia levels reduced significantly by days 7 and 14 in treated groups. Histological analysis showed preserved kidney structures with mild inflammation. Findings support the nephroprotective and antimalarial potential of EAI and ECC.