Abstract

The aqueous root extracts of Securidaca longepedunculata (Fresen, polygalacaea) were used to treat trypanosomiasis in this experiment. 25 Wister albino rats were inoculated with Trypanosoma brucei. Its trypanocidal activity was assessed through daily examination of blood samples, clinical and haematological changes at intervals, and possible deaths were among the parameters which were carefully monitored. The treatment involved a therapeutic dose of diminazene aceturate (3.5 mg/kg), a combination of sub-therapeutic dose of diminazene (1.75 mg/kg) and sub-therapeutic dose of the extract, oral infusion of 200 and 100 mg/kg of the extract, respectively for 7 days. In all rats treated with diminazene and the extract, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in parasitemia even though those that received the extract alone relapsed. And there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in haematological values as well. Hence, these findings provide a possible, cheap and available alternative to the existing but costly trypanocides additionally, due to phytochemical data revealed.

Key words: Securidaca longepedunculata, trypanosomiasis, diminazene aceturate, parasitemia, Trypanosoma brucei, Human African trypanosomiasis.