Assessment of InVitro Antitrypanosomal Effects of Terminalia Catappa Leaf Extract and Fractions on Trypanosoma Brucei Brucei

Author(s): Folashade Sarah Ojeleye, Helen Ileigo Inabo, Clement Myah Zaman Whong, Bolanle Olufunke Priscilla Musa, Ochuko Orakpoghenor

Due to the high cost of conventional drugs used in the treatment of trypanosomosis, the drive towards ethnomedicine has become necessary. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro antitrypanosomal effects of Terminalia catappa leaf extract and fractions on Trypanosoma brucei brucei. The extract and fractions of T. catappa leaves were prepared using standard laboratory method. Culture of T. brucei brucei was done using 96-well microtiter plate in triplicates and maintained at 370C. About 20-25 parasites were dosed with 0.4, 2 and 4mg/ml of leaf extract and fractions (n-hexane and ethylacetate) and a control without extract followed by incubation in Eppendorf tubes. Results revealed parasites survival over 4 hours in control well. There was complete cessation of parasite motility within 60 minutes by diminazene aceturate and ethylacetate fraction (EAF) at 4 and 2 mg/ml. The crude extract and n-hexane fractions (HF) produced significant decrease in parasites motility after 15 and 10 minutes respectively at 4 mg/ml; after 20 and 15 minutes respectively at 2 mg/ml. At 0.4 mg/ml, parasites motility was significantly decreased by only EAF within 60 minutes. The leaves of T. catappa possess in vitro antitrypanosomal activity with the EAF being most effective at lowest concentration.