Haematoprotective effects of Aqueous Morinda lucida leaf extract on Plasmodium berghei-induced Haematological alterations in Wistar Rats

Malaria remains a major global public health challenge and is frequently accompanied by haematological abnormalities that contribute significantly to disease severity and poor clinical outcomes. This study evaluated the haematoprotective effects of aqueous Morinda lucida leaf extract in Plasmodium berghei-infected Wistar rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to six groups (n = 5): normal control, infected untreated control, artesunate-treated (10 mg/kg), and infected groups treated orally with aqueous M. lucida leaf extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Experimental malaria was induced with P. berghei, and treatments were administered once daily for four consecutive days using the Rane curative model. Haematological parameters were determined using an automated haematology analyser, while data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (p < 0.05). Acute oral toxicity was also evaluated. The extract was well tolerated, with no mortality or observable signs of toxicity at 2,000 mg/kg. P. berghei infection caused significant reductions in erythrocytic, leukocytic, and platelet indices compared with the normal control (p < 0.05). Treatment with aqueous M. lucida leaf extract significantly and dose-dependently restored these parameters, with the 400 mg/kg dose producing effects comparable to those of artesunate. These findings demonstrate that aqueous M. lucida leaf extract effectively ameliorates malaria-induced haematological alterations and highlight its potential as a promising source of bioactive compounds for the development of plant-derived antimalarial therapies.