Comparative Study Of Synthetic Anti-Malaria Drug (Lumartem) With A Natural Anti-Malaria Plant (Azadirachta Indica) On Serum Electrolyte, Body And Relative Organ Weight In Normal Male Albino Rats:-Unuigboje Glory A

ABSTRACT xi This study evaluates the effect of ethanol extract of (Azadirachta indica} leaves a natural antimalaria drug and Lumartem a synthetic antimalaria drug in normal male wistar albino rats. Rats weighing 180-240g were assigned to six group of 5 rats each. Group 1 (Normal control), Group 2 (DMSO Control) Group 3 (lOOmg/kg bw. ofAzadirachta indica} .Group 4 (300mg/kg bw .of Azadirachta indica}, Group 5 (1.5mg/kg bw of Lumartem),Group 6 (3.5mg/kg bw of Lumartem). After 28 days of daily administration of the ethanol extract of Azadirachta indica , animals were sacrifice, blood sample was collected by cardiac puncture for the analysis of serum electrolyte. (Na+, Cl", K+, Hcoa’, and Ca2+). The Liver, Spleen, Lungs, kidney, Heart, were excised and weighed. The relative organ weights were calculated. The LD50 of the extract was 1,900mg/kg/bw and lOmgkg/bw of Azadiracha indica and lumartem respectively was determined. Result showed that there was no significant difference (P<0.05) in the serum level of bicarbonate, calcium, potassium at all the groups. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and phenol respectively with tannin as the highest (1269.93±0.170mg/100g) and hydrogen cyanide as the lowest (0.04±0.003mg/100g).Decrease in sodium levels were obsevered in animals treated with 300mg/kg which was significant (P<0.05)when compared to normal control rats. However, the value were brought close to those of control at dose of lOOmg/kgbw respectively. From the result of this experiment, it is concluded that the administration of ethanol extract of Azadirachta indica leaves did not alter the level of serum electrolyte. However, care must be taken when exploring the medicinal value of the leaves.