Phytochemical Screening and In Vitro Evaluation of the Antitrypanosomal Action of the Methanolic Leaf Extract of Corymbia Torelliana

Abstract

Background: African trypanosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects both human and livestock across the sub-Saharan Africa. Chemotherapy of the disease remains far from being satisfactory. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore an alternative source of antitrypanosomal agent from the leaves of Corymbia torelliana. Methods: The dried leaves were pulverized and extracted with methanol by maceration. Phytochemical investigation was carried out and subsequent in vitro studies of the extract on the survival of Trypanosoma congolense. Motility assessment of trypanosomes maintained in Phosphate Ringer glucose saline was carried out after exposure to the extract over a period of 105 minutes. Observations were made at 0 minutes, and subsequently at intervals of 15 minutes. Results: The phytochemical assay revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids and terpenes. The extract showed in vitro anti-trypanosomal effect against the parasite concentrations at 100 mg/ml, 0.2 mg/ml, 0.03 mg/ml and at 0.00005 mg/ml. The highest effective dose was at 100 mg/ml and the lowest at 0.00005 mg/ml. Conclusion: This study shows that the methanolic leaf extract of Corymbia torelliana is rich in phytochemical components and has great potentials for the treatment of trypanosomiasis. The presence of these secondary metabolites in this plant might be responsible for the antitrypanosomal activity exhibited by its extracts.