JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND VETERINARY MEDICINE
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2536-7099
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JASVM
Start Year: 2016
Email: jasvm@integrityresjournals.org
Antitrypanosomal effect of ethanolic stem extract of Cassytha filiformis on Trypanosoma congolense infection in albino mice
https://doi.org/10.31248/JASVM2025.550 | Article Number: 7759A79710 | Vol.10 (2) - April 2025
Received Date: 19 March 2025 | Accepted Date: 29 April 2025 | Published Date: 30 April 2025
Authors: Abdulazeez Abubakar , Benjamin C. Onusiriuka , Abdullahi I. Alhaji and Godson Ofobuike Eze*
Keywords: trypanosomiasis., C. filiformis, ethanolic stem extract, T. congolense.
African trypanosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by single-celled protozoan parasites of the genus Trypanosoma that is primarily transmitted by the bite of infected tsetse flies. This study aimed to investigate the antitrypanosomal effect of ethanolic stem extract of Cassytha filiformis on Trypanosoma congolense infection in albino mice. Crude extract of the plant was obtained by maceration in absolute ethanol, its phytochemical and acute toxicity studies were carried out following standard procedures. Thereafter, the antitrypanosomal effect of the extract was investigated in albino mice. Haematological, biochemical and histopathological changes in the experimental animals were assessed. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycosides, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and steroids. The extract of C. filiformis showed a mean lethal dose (LD50) >5000 mg/kg body weight. T. congolense savannah parasites used in this study showed a prepatent period of 96 hours. Lower doses of the extract (30 and 60 mg/kg body weight) produced better antitrypanosomal effects. Resistance of T. congolense parasite to standard trypanocide (Diminazine aceturate) was noted. The animal survival study showed that the higher the parasite load, the lower the survivability of the infected animals. Packed cell volume (PCV) of the treated groups showed a dose-dependent increase. The serum aspartate amino transferase (AST) activity was significantly (p<0.05) higher in groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 compared to groups 1, 7 and 8 while alanine amino transferase (ALT) activities were significantly higher (P<0.05) in groups 3 and 4 compared to groups 1, 2, 7 and 8. The histopathological changes in the kidney and liver were moderate in the worst scenario. C. filiformis extract has significant potential as an antitrypanosomal agent due to its efficacy in reducing parasite load, improving survival rates, and showing manageable side effects.
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