Effect of Azadirachta indica on Plasmodium berghei berghei in mice

Abstract

Azadirachta indica leaf extract has been investigated for antimalarial activity against drug sensitive strain of P. berghei berghei in mice. On administering the extract subcutaneously to infected mice in the '4-day schizontocidal test' 41.2% suppression of parasitaemia was observed. A similar observation was made when the extract was injected for 3 days before the animals were infected with the parasites. 21.7% chemosuppression was obtained. When treatment commenced after the infection had already established, there was no demonstrable suppression of parasitaemia.