Antitrypanosomal Potentials of Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of <i>Punica granatum</i> against <i>Trypanosoma brucei brucei</i> Infection

Abstract

The current treatment regimens based on chemotherapy for Human African Trypanosomiasis and Animal Trypanosomosis are limited, and are not ideal as they are often associated with severe side effects. The emergence of drug resistant parasites presents an additional and major problem. The urgent need for the development of new, cheap, safe, and easy-to-administer compounds for the treatment of these infectious diseases prompted this study. Three doses (20mg/kg, 40mg/kg,80mg/kg) of ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Punica granatum were screened for trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma brucei bruce in Balb Strain Albino mice. Parasitaemia and disappearance of clinical signs were used as parameters to monitor the efficacy of the extracts using the rapid matching method. Packed cell volume and weights of the mice were determined before and after treatment with extracts. Packed cell volume and Weight improved significantly (p<0.05) in the group which was admnistered 40 mg/kg ethanol extract when compared to the negative group. The LD50 value calculated for intra-peritoneal route of administration was 90mg/kg. The findings are indicative of the trypanocidal potential of Punica granatum in the management of trypanosomosis.

Keywords: Trypanosomosis, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Trypanocidal activity, Punica granatum, Ethanol