Phyllanthus amarus Chemical Fractions Defend the Brain and Liver from Oxidative Assault Induced by Plasmodium berghei Malarial Parasite Infection
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Abstract
Phyllanthus amarus is being promoted for treating various ailments, including malaria. While its antiplasmodial properties are documented, little is known about the antioxidant potential of its chemical fractions and their protective effects on the brain and liver. This study aimed to assess the ability of different chemical fractions of Phyllanthus amarus to protect these organs from oxidative damage induced by Plasmodium berghei infection. Crude ethanolic leaf extract and chemical fractions (alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and anthraquinones) were administered to mice at 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg daily for 21 days. A total of 240 adult Swiss albino mice (20–30g) were divided into 24 groups (n=10/group). On day 22, mice were sacrificed under chloroform anesthesia following an overnight fast. Liver and brain tissues were harvested, homogenized, and centrifuged to obtain supernatant for biochemical analysis of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results revealed that the crude extract and its flavonoid, carbohydrate, and anthraquinone fractions significantly (p<0.05) increased TAC and reduced MDA levels in both liver and brain compared to infected controls. These findings suggest that Phyllanthus amarus, particularly its flavonoid, carbohydrate, and anthraquinone fractions, confers antioxidant protection to the liver and brain during Plasmodium berghei malaria. The observed protective effect may be attributed to the high phenolic content of these fractions. This study demonstrates the bioavailability and antioxidant potential of Phyllanthus amarus and supports its therapeutic role in malaria-associated oxidative stress.
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