Antianaemic Potentials of Aqueous Telfairia Occidental is Leaf Extract in Trypanosoma Brucei Infection in Albino Rats

Abstract

Anaemia is a hall mark pathological effect of trypanosomiasis. Therefore, the effect of Telfaira occidental is leaf extract on African trypanosomiasis induced in albino rats with Trypanosoma brucei that was examined to see its potentials against anemia. Six groups of three rats were used. Group one was infected and treated with 64mg/kg of the fresh leaf extract. Group 2 was treated with 64mg/kg of the dry leaf extract. Group 3 was infected but untreated. Group 4 was uninfected but administered 64mg/kg of the fresh leaf extract. Group 5 was uninfected but administered 64mg/kg of the dry leaf extract. Group 6 was uninfected and untreated. Administration of the extracts was by oral route. Parsitemia, packed cell volume (PCV) and liver function parameters were monitored. The results showed that T. occidental is leaf extract significantly increased the PCV and tend to stabilize the liver function parameters. Parasite proliferation was reduced and the lifespan of the treated rats was prolonged. The leaf extract, therefore had a positive effect on the treated experimental rats, and posits some hope in the effort towards the control of trypanosomiasis.