Novel trypanocide from an extract of Pleurotus sajor-caju against Trypanosoma congolense

Abstract

Context: Control of African trypanosomiasis relies on chemotherapy, but the development of resistance and the problem of drug residues require research for alternatives. Triterpenes and phenolics, the major constituents of Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer (Pleurotaceae), are reported to be effective against trypanosomiasis. Objective: Trypanocidal effect of whole Pleurotus sajor-caju aqueous extract was investigated in vivo against Trypanosoma congolense. Materials and methods: Mice (25–32 g) were divided into seven groups of six animals. Mice in groups A–F received 2.5 × 104 trypanosomes, while group G was uninfected. Extracts (100–250 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally for 5 days to groups A–D while diminazine aceturate (group E) and normal saline (group F) served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Parasitemia, survival time, body weight and haematological parameters were monitored for 60 days post-treatment. Results: Parasitemia decreased significantly (p 60 days, while that of group F was <4 days. Differential leucocyte count on day 68 post-infection in groups C, D and E were not significantly different. Conclusion: Pleurotus sajor-caju therefore could be a potential source of new trypanocidal drugs.

Keywords

• african trypanosomiasis
• alternative medicine
• mushroom