In vitro trypanocidal activity of aqueous leaves extract of Allium cepa linn in experimentally infected Wistar rats

Abstract

The aqueous leaf extract of Allium cepa L. was evaluated for its phytochemistry, acute toxicity, efficacy and in vitro trypanocidal activity using standard procedures. A total of 12 Wistar rats were grouped into 4 groups of 3 rats each and were intraperitioneally administered with graded doses of 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg bw of the extract. All groups of Wistar rats were observed for 24 hours for sign of toxicity and mortality. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of the aqueous leaf extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, steroids, saponins, reducing sugars, monosacharides, glycosides, tannins and ketones, while phlabotannins was absent. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the plant extract was determined as 600 mg/kg. Clinical signs exhibited in the treated Wistar rats were dose dependent. The in vitro trypanocidal efficacy of the extract of A. cepa on Trypanosoma brucei showed lethality at 800 mg/ml.