Effect of Aqueous Extract of Stembark of Cussonia (Arborea) Barteri (Aurev and Pellegr) on Experimental Trypanosoma congolense Infection in Rats: Preliminary Study

Abstract

The aqueous stem bark extract of cussonia barteri used locally in the management of animal trypanosomiasis was evaluated for antitrypanosomal activity prophylactically using rats. In the therapeutic study, a dose of 200 mg/kg bodyweight was orally administered with the establishment of infection for 5 successive day. For prophylactic studies, the extract was administered for 5 successive days before iniculation with 1 x 106 ml of trypanosoma congolense. The acute toxicity of the extract gave the LD50 value of 2,500 mg/kg. b. wt. infection of rats with T. congolense was established 6 - 10 days post inoculation in both investigations. The infection was characterized by oersistent parasitaemia, anaemia, and leukopenia. Both studies did not result in a significant increase (P>0.05) was recorded in mean cell volume (MCV%) at day 3 post-treatment and days 6, 11, and 14 post prophylaxis. Although this plant is claimed to have been in use for the management of trypanosomosis. There was no significant difference in the level of parasitaemia and survival period between prophylactic and therapeutic trials when compared to untreated controls(p>0.05). Further trials in combination with other trypanosomal agents is recommended to evaluate possible synergistic property.