Effect of Abrus precatorius Methanol Extract on Antioxidant Enzymes in Trypanosoma brucei Infected Mice

Abstract

Trypanosomiasis is a complex of diseases caused by protozoan parasite of the genus Trypanosoma which has great impact on health and economic status of the endemic populace. The pathogenesis of trypanosomiasis is related to the production of large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals which act as cytotoxic agents damaging vital components of the cell. An in vivo study was carried out to determine the effect of Abrus precatorious methanol extract on antioxidant enzymes in Trypanosoma brucei infected mice. Acute toxicity study was carried out according to Lorke’s method. Trypanosoma brucei brucei (T. b. brucei) infected mice were administered 200, 400, 600mg/kg BW of the crude extracts for two weeks. Three additional groups of; normal control, untreated control and Diaminazine aceturate (standard control) were used to evaluate efficacy and antioxidant capacity. The acute toxicity studies demonstrated Abrus precatorious extracts safety at 5000mg/kg BW. The methanol extract of Abrus precatorius at the doses used significantly increased serum and liver SOD, GPS, Catalase activities (p < 0.5) compared to the untreated group. This study indicated the ability of Abrus precatorious methanol extract to improve the life span of erythrocytes by reducing the extensive erythrophagocytosis generating free radicals in trypanosome infection.