In vivo trypanocidal activity of Hydroethanolic extract of Hymenocardia acida stem bark in rats

Abstract

The in vivo trypanocidal efficacy of Hydroethanolic extract of Hymenocardia acida stem bark was evaluated in Wistar rats. Three groups of rats were treated orally with the extract at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight for 6 days. Two other groups received the vehicle and Diminazene accurate at 3.5 mg/kg to serve as negative and positive control respectively. The mean survival period of infected animals, daily level of parasitaemia, packed cell volume, total and differential leukocyte counts were evaluated. Oral administration of the extract did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect the packed cell volume. However, the extract reduced the level of parasitaemia and prolonged the life span of infected rats. This study shows in vivo potential of hydroethanolic extract of H. acida in the treatment of African trypanosomosis.