In vitro and in vivo antitrypanosomal activities of Echinops kebericho root extract

Abstract Objective: Microbial resistance to the few conventional antitrypanosomal drugs, increasing resistance of vectors to insecticides, lack of effective vaccines and adverse effects of the existing antitrypanosomal drugs justifies the urgent need for effective, tolerable and affordable drugs. We assessed antitrypanosomal effect of hydromethanolic extract of Echinops kebericho Mesfin roots against Trypanosoma congolense field isolate using in vitro and in vivo techniques. Parasite load, packed cell volume (PCV), body weight and rectal temperature in Swiss albino mice were assessed. This finding is part of the outcomes of drug discovery research for neglected tropical diseases. Result: The extract ceased motility of the trypanosomes within 40 min at 4 and 2 mg/ml concentration whereas in the untreated control motility continued for more than 160 min. The extract also reduced parasitemia, prevented drop in PCV and body weight significantly (p<0.05), as compared to control. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, triterpines, steroids, saponins, glycosides, tannins and alkaloids. It is observed that this extract has activity against the parasite. Isolation and purification of specific compounds are required to identify hit compounds responsible for the antitrypanosomal activity of the studied medicinal plant.