Antitrypanosomal activities of ethanol extract of Harungana madagascariensis Lam. ex Poir against Trypanosoma brucei brucei - An in vivo model

African trypanosomiasis constitutes public health and veterinary challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. Development of vaccine for its prevention is beset with challenges. Hence, trypanosomiasis control is premised on vector control and treatment of identified cases. Effect of oral administration of ethanol extract of stem bark of H. madagascariensis on Trypanosoma brucei brucei (Federe strain) was investigated in experimentally-infected rat model. Harungana madagascariensis stem bark powder (300 g) was macerated in 1.5 l of 100 % n-hexane for 48 hours. The residue was dried and re-macerated in 1.5 l of 70 % ethanol for 48 hours. The filtrate was dried by evaporation on water bath at 60oC. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, saponins, phenols and tannins. Acute toxicity test revealed oral LD50 > 5000 mg/kg body weight. Oral administration of the extract did not exert curative effect. Parasitaemia persisted in the extract treated rats (Group A-1250 mg/kg and Group B-2500 mg/kg body weight) till death. Rats administered 1250 mg/kg body weight outlived all inoculated rats by 2 days despite the significant (P < 0.05) rise in parasitaemia. Anaemia was ameliorated in rats taking 1250 mg/kg body weight compared to groups B, C and D that were severely anaemic. Emaciation was ameliorated in both extract-treated groups A and B compared to groups C and D. Harunga madagascariensis demonstrated promising prospects as potential source of therapeutic agent for ameliorating the severity of anaemia and African trypanosomiasis.