In vivo Anti-trypanosomal activity of aqueous extract of Ipomea batatas leaves

Abstract

The potential of an aqueous extract of Ipomea batatas leaves to exhibit anti-trypanosomal action in vivo was studied. Rats infected with 10⁴Trypanosoma brucei brucei/ml were treated experimentally with extract at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight beginning on day 5 after infection. At the end of the study period, on day ten post-infection, the treated rats showed little parasitaemia. The extract exhibited inhibitory activity of 89.29 and 95.53% at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight respectively. The study findings indicate that leaf extract has dose-dependent anti-trypanosomal efficacy.