Abstract

The therapeutic potential of the crude extract of Dissotis rotundifolia was   investigated in rats infected with Trypanosoma b. brucei. Animals were treated orally or intraperitoneally at 200, 600 and 800 mg/kg body weight. At 800 mg/kg, parasitemia was reduced by 66.7 and 78.4% after oral and intraperitoneal administration respectively. In vitro exposure of blood forms to high concentration (800 mg/kg) crude extract test resulted in complete paralysis or killing within 45 s of exposure. It is concluded that D. rotundifolia may contain antitrypanosomal constituents.

Key words: Efficacy, trypanosoma, parasitemia, Dissotis rotundifolia, antitrypanosomal activity.