Planta Med 2008; 74 - PA290
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1084288

The effect of Tridax procumbens treatment on Trypanosoma brucei brucei infections in mice

A Abubakar 1, BU Shamaki 2, EO Ogbadoyi 3
  • 1Biochemistry and Chemotherapy Division
  • 2Veterinary and Livestock Studies Division, Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
  • 3Biochemistry Department, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Tridax procumbens (Asteraceae) was reported to influence both humoral as well as cell mediated immune system assisting in genesis of improved antibody response against specific clinical antigen [1]. Its effect against specific clinical antigen, Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in mice was therefore investigated. Animals were grouped into 5 of 5 mice each. The prophylaxis and the curative groups were each treated with 250 and 500mg/kg body weight, respectively. The treatment was through intraperitoneal (ip) administration for 5 consecutive days. Parasitaemia was monitored daily and estimated using the method of Herbert and Lumsden [2], which showed a fluctuating pattern and the mice treated with 500mg/kg body weight recorded highest survival days of 33 beyond 23 days for the positive control group(P<0.05). The body weight was determined at intervals and the treated animals suffered less weight loss significantly compared to untreated control (P<0.05). Post mortem examination revealed pale carcass, hepatomegally and splenomegally in prophylaxis and positive control groups, but was however less pronounced in the curative treated groups. Therefore the hepatomegally and splenomegally was alleviated with the curative treated groups significantly (P<0.05). Thus T. procumbens has some antitrypanosomal property, capable of reducing body weight loss; alleviate hepatomegally and splenomegally in case of T. b. brucei infection.

References: 1. Tiwari, U. et al. (2004). J. Ethnopharmacol. 92:113–119.

2. Herbert, W.J., Lumsden, W.H.R. (1976). Exptal. Parasitol. 40:427–431.