Evaluation of the anti-trypanosomal activity of Justicia secunda (Vahl) leaf in Trypanosoma brucei infected rats

Abstract

The use of plants in traditional medicine is increasingly gaining ground in modern medicine because phytochemical components of most secondary metabolites can be used to treat a wide range of diseases. The anti-trypanosomal effects of ethanolic extracts of Justicia secunda leaf were investigated in albino rats. Thirty albino rats were used for the study and they were divided into six groups of five rats each. Group I was uninfected untreated (control), group II was infected untreated, group III was infected and treated with diminazene aceturate (DA), while groups IV, V and VI were infected and treated with J. secunda at 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg body weights, respectively. The parasite clearance time did not show any significant (p>0.05) difference in the extract-treated groups. However, relapse of infection occurred on day 28 post-treatment (PT) in 100mg/kg treated group and day 63 PT in 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg treated groups. The red cell parameters (PCV, Hb and RBC counts) were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the infected groups, but improved in the groups treated with 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg to a level comparable to the uninfected untreated (control). The mean total white cell counts (TWBC) count was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the infected untreated group. The extract-treated groups did not show any variation (p>0.05) and were comparable with the uninfected untreated control. In conclusion, the ethanolic extract of J. secunda leaf exhibited dose-dependent anti-trypanosomal activity in T. brucei-infected rats and was able to ameliorate and conserve anaemia as shown in the improved haematological parameters and reduced risk of relapse.