Effect of ethanolic extracts of Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass), Ocimum gratissimum, and Azadirachta indica on the kidney function test, following Plasmodium berghei- induced malaria in mice

Ezeokafor, Emmanuel Nonso and Ifemenam, Kosisochukwu Emmanuel and Uzoh, Casmir Ifunaya and Okafor, Emeka C and Ottih, Chidalu Jennifer and Ifebi, Kenechukwu Onyeka and Egbunike, Chijioke J and Okoye, Ogochukwu Fidelis and Afuberoh, Francis Chukwudi (2025) Effect of ethanolic extracts of Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass), Ocimum gratissimum, and Azadirachta indica on the kidney function test, following Plasmodium berghei- induced malaria in mice. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 26 (3). 075-085. ISSN 2581-9615

This study explored the effects of the antimalarial effects of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), Ocimum gratissimum, and Azadirachta indica on the Kidney function test in wistar rats. Fifty male mice were purchased from a local market, animals were maintained with normal laboratory chow (Grower feed) and water ad libitium. The animals were acclimatized for two weeks before induction of the Plasmodium berghei and ethanolic leave extract of Azadirachta indica, Cymbopogon citratus and Ocimum gratissimum. Plasmodium berghei were inoculated intraperitoneally with 0.2ml blood suspension. Group A was the Negative control group, induced with Plasmodium berghei without any treatment. Group B was Positive control, received only food and water. Group C was induced with P. berghei and treated with (500 mg/kg) of Azadirachta indica. Group D was induced with P. berghei and treated with (100 mg/kg) ethanolic extract of Cymbopogon citratus. Group E was induced with P. berghei and treated with (500 mg/kg) ethanolic extract of Cymbopogon citratus. Group F was induced with P. berghei and treated with 100 mg/kg) ethanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum. Group G was induced with P. berghei and treated with (500 mg/kg) ethanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum. Group H was induced with P. berghei and treated with (100 mg/kg) ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica. Group I was induced with P. berghei and treated with standard drug. Group J was induced with P. berghei and treated with (500 mg/kg) ethanolic extracts of the leaves (Azadirachta indica, Cymbopogon citratus, and Ocimum gratissimum). The Administration of the extract lasted for 7 days. This study demonstrated that infection with Plasmodium berghei significantly impairs kidney function, as evidenced by increased relative kidney weight, elevated levels of urea, uric acid, and creatinine, along with histological signs of renal damage. Treatment with ethanolic extracts of Azadirachta indica, Cymbopogon citratus, and Ocimum gratissimum—individually and in combination—significantly ameliorated these effects.