Anti-Trypanosomal Potential Of Momordica Balsamina Linn Fruit Pulp Extract Against <I>Trypanosoma brucei brucei</I> Infection

Abstract

The search for new trypanocides has not been keenly pursued due to high cost of design and development with no promise of financial returns. Momordica balsamina fruit pulp extract was screened for antitrypanosomal activity in experimental T. brucei brucei infection in rabbits. The extract was administered prior to parasite inoculation, 24 hours post parasite inoculation and on establishment of infection. The treatment was by oral administration of the extract at 500mg/kg body weight for 14 consecutive days. Parasitaemia was monitored daily while body weight and packed cell volume (PCV) were determined before commencement of studies and subsequently at weekly intervals for 28 days. The result showed a significant (P<0.05) delay in the establishment of T. b. brucei infection in rabbits treated at 24 hours post parasite inoculation. Packed cell volume also increased significantly (P<0.05) in all treated groups when compared to the untreated group (control). This was less in the group treated on establishment of infection. Administration of the extract to the curative group resulted in body weight gain. The other groups suffered weight loss. The infected but not treated group died at day 39 post infection while those treated before parasite inoculation, 24hours post parasite inoculation, and on the establishment of infection survived for 45 days, 53 days, and 61 days respectively. We conclude that M. balsamina pulp extract reduces anaemia in experimentally infected rabbits.

Preliminary Evaluation of Anti-trypanosome Impact of Methanol, Alkaloid and Flavonoid Extracts of Sarcocephalus latifolius in T. Brucei Infected Mice

“…This might be as a result of weakening of the body system which may affect the food consumption of these mice. The energy deficit and tissue damage of mice reveal lack of food intake subsequent to parasite infection [22]. The pack cell volume which assists in determination of the anemic state of the mice exhibits lack of blood which is consistent with trypanosome infection on animal.…”

“…This could be attribute to the degradation of active compound which is toxic to the parasite. Trypanocide property of extract is probably because of the phytochemical constituents [22]. Moreover, methanol had the most effect on motility of the parasite.…”

Invivo Anti-Trypanosomal Activity of the Leaf Extracts of Albizia Schimperiana (Fabaceae) Against Trypanosoma Congolense Infection in Mice

“…Different researchers [30][31][32] have made similar observations on reduction in parasitemia and speculated that the degradation or metabolism of the active principle or high parasite load could mask the efficacy of crude extracts. Although the extracts mechanism for observed in vivo trypanosuppresive effect is not known, it is obvious that extract contain phytochemicals that could interfere with survival of the parasite in vivo.…”