Evaluation of trypanosomal activity of Tapinanthus globiferus and Gongronema latifolium on Trypanosoma congolense

Abstract

This investigation compared the various extracts obtained from different parts of Tapinanthus globiferus and Gongrenema latifolium for trypanocidal activity, in vitro and in vivo at different concentration on mice infected with Trypanosoma congolense. The methanolic extracts of stem bark of Gongrenema latifolium and Tapinanthus globiferus leaves had highest activity in vitro thus they were evaluated for in vivo activity. The albino mice were treated with extracts ranging from 100-400mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally for 7 consecutive days. The group treated with 400mg/kg of Tapinanthus globiferus had significant reduction In parasiteamia and their life’s were prolong up to the 24 th day before they culminated in death compared with those treated with the same dose of Gongrenema latifolium but all died by day 9 th post treatment. The result also showed that, the group inoculated with parasite and extract of Tapinanthus globiferus simultaneously, did not develop parasiteamia while the experiment lasted. Groups treated with 100-200mg/kg and the control had increased in parasiteamia and they all died by day 9 th post treatment. However the groups treated with 200mg/kg of Tapinanthus globiferus, had reduced parasiteamia by day 4 but was followed by a relapse causing the death of animals by day 10 th . Phytochemical screening showed appreciable amount of alkaloids and flavonoids in the extract of Tapinanthus globiferus compared to that found in Gongrenema latifolium which are only in traces. Further fractionation of this extracts will be required in order to isolate the active component.