Effect of methanol extract of <i>Costus lucanusianus</i> root on oxidative stress, liver function and haematological markers in malaria-infected wistar mice

Background: Malaria is associated with oxidative stress, haematological alterations, and organ damage. Costus lucanusianus is traditionally used in the management of fever, but its antimalarial potential is not well established. Materials and Methods: The methanol root extract of C. lucanusianus was evaluated in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice using the 4-day suppressive test. Acute toxicity (Lorke's method), parasitemia suppression, survival time, haematological indices, oxidative stress markers, liver function tests, and histopathology were assessed. Results: The extract was safe up to 5000 mg/kg. It produced dose-dependent parasite suppression, with 500 mg/kg achieving 50% inhibition, though less effective than chloroquine (62.5%). Treated mice showed prolonged survival, improved antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduced lipid peroxidation. Haematological parameters indicated increased WBC and platelet counts with reduced neutrophils. Liver function markers remained largely stable, while histopathology showed milder hepatic distortion compared to untreated controls. Conclusion: Costus lucanusianus root extract demonstrates significant antimalarial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities, supporting its ethnomedicinal use and potential as a source for new antimalarial agents.