Pharmacological Evolution of Indigofera oblongifolia for Anti-Inflammatory Impacts on the Infected Lung with Plasmodium Chabaudi : Histomorphometric Study

Background Medicinal plants have long been recognized for their importance in treating serious illnesses. In recent years, the incorporation of metallic nanoparticles into plant-based therapies has emerged as a promising strategy for combating malaria. Objective This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of Indigofera oblongifolia extract combined with silver nanoparticles (IOLE AgNPs), along with chloroquine (CQ, 10 mg/kg), in mitigating lung inflammation caused by Plasmodium chabaudi infection in a murine model. Materials and Methods A total of fifty female C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to five groups: a healthy control group, an IOLE AgNPs-only group, P. chabaudi -infected group, an infected group treated with IOLE AgNPs, and an infected group receiving both IOLE AgNPs and chloroquine. Lung tissues were examined through hematoxylin-eosin staining and morphometric evaluation. Results Treatment with IOLE AgNPs led to a marked improvement in lung tissue architecture among infected mice. The intervention significantly reduced alveolar damage, septal thickening, edema, and necrotic changes in comparison to untreated infected lungs. Despite these improvements, some signs of epithelial hyperplasia and fibrosis persisted. In comparison, treatment with chloroquine at a dose of 10 mg/kg resulted in moderate restoration of lung tissue structure. This group showed partial alleviation of bronchiolar and alveolar wall thickening, along with better airway expansion. Nonetheless, signs of tissue damage such as septal and alveolar congestion, accumulation of hemosiderin, fluid buildup (edema), and cellular necrosis were still evident. Additionally, the thickness of the interstitial tissue remained greater than that observed in the group treated with IOLE AgNPs. Conclusions Both IOLE AgNPs and chloroquine (10 mg/kg) demonstrated potential in alleviating pulmonary inflammation, though IOLE AgNPs appeared more effective in reducing structural damage.