Antimalarial effects of ethanolic extracts of Andrographis paniculata leaves and Allium sativum bulbs on Plasmodium berghei (NK65)-induced Parasitemia in Albino mice

Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, disproportionately affecting children and pregnant women. The increasing resistance to conventional antimalarial drugs underscores the urgent need for alternative therapies. Traditional medicinal plants such as Andrographis paniculata and Allium sativum have shown promise, but their combined efficacy has not been adequately explored. This study aimed to evaluate the antiplasmodial effects of combined ethanolic extracts of Andrographis paniculata leaves and Allium sativum bulbs on Plasmodium berghei (NK65)–induced parasitemia in albino mice. A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted with 30 mice randomly allocated into six groups: normal control, negative control, positive control (artemether-lumefantrine), A. paniculata monotherapy, A. sativum monotherapy, and combination therapy. Extracts were prepared by cold maceration and administered orally at 200 mg/kg. Parasitemia was induced intraperitoneally and monitored microscopically. Antiplasmodial activity was assessed using Rane’s curative test. The combination therapy significantly suppressed parasitemia (43.4% by day 5), showing efficacy comparable to artemether-lumefantrine and A. paniculata monotherapy but more effective than A. sativum alone (p < 0.0467). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the combined ethanolic extracts of Andrographis paniculata leaves and Allium sativum bulbs produced a significant reduction in Plasmodium berghei –induced parasitemia in albino mice, with higher efficacy than either extract alone. These findings provide a scientific basis for the traditional use of herbal combinations in malaria management and highlight the potential of developing phytomedicine formulations as affordable adjuncts or alternatives to conventional antimalarials.