In vitro anti-trypanosomal activity of Thysanophora penicilloides, Aureobasdium pullulans, and Sporangia spp extracts

Abstract

The genus Trypanosoma, a flagellated protozoan, causes trypanosomiasis. The disease occurs in humans and animals in Africa and South America. African trypanosomiasis is a debilitating disease affecting humans and domestic animals in the humid and sub-humid zones of Africa. It's estimated that over 60 million people and 50 -70 million animals are exposed to the infection. Chemotherapy for African trypanosomiasis remains unsatisfactory due to unacceptable toxicity, increasing parasite resistance, high cost, and unavailability. There is an urgent need for effective, affordable, and accessible therapeutic agents for the rural poor in Africa who bear most of the disease burden. This study aimed to determine the in vitro antitrypanosomal activity of Thysanophora penicilloides, Aureobasidium pullulans, and Sporangia spp extracts against T. brucei brucei. Fungal ethanolic extracts from M. oleifera stem, M. oleifera leaf, and Vachellia nilotica leaf were investigated for therapeutic effects in experimental African trypanosomiasis. Effects were compared with Diminazene aceturate. Phytochemical screening and blood incubation infectivity tests were conducted using the Drug Incubation Survival Test (DIST). The high concentration (1.0 mg/ml) of Sporangia spp from Vachellia nilotica leaf showed potential in vitro activity, immobilising trypanosomes within 2-8 hours and abrogating infectivity to rats. Thysanophora penicilloides and Aureobasidium pullulans extracts from M. oleifera showed no trypanocidal effect but may prolong life span due to antioxidant activities. Sporangia spp from Vachellia nilotica leaf have potential antitrypanosomal activity, making it a potential source for new drugs against Human African Trypanosomiasis.