This study determines the effects of doses of halofantrine hydrochloride, a phenanthrene methanol drug used in the therapeutic treatment of malaria on the estradiol levels of female wistar rats. Twenty (20) Female Wistar rats were used and divided into four groups. Group A being the control, Group B, Group C and Group D, all containing 5 rats in each group. A suspension of drugs at a dose of 0.1ml/kg body weight three times at six hourly intervals was administered orally to different groups of mature female rats for 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks duration, control group was given normal saline. The animals were sacrificed on the 14th day, 28th day and 42nd day respectively after the last drug administration by cardiac puncture. Whole blood samples were collected for white blood count. From the plasma, the hormonal level was determined by radio-immunoassay and enzyme activities were also determined. The estradiol level following 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks treatment was higher significantly (p<0.05) in all the groups compared to the control. The activities of the AST, ALT, and ALP increased significantly (P < 0.05) in all the groups compared with the control. The white blood cell count also increased significantly(p<0.05) in all the groups compared with the control. These findings could signify the toxicity of the drug.

Keywords : Halofantrine Hydrochloride, Malaria, Estradiol Levels, Female Wistar Rats, Radioimmunoassay.