In Vitro Screening for Antitrypanosomal Potentials of Punica granatum L. Leaves Crude Extracts

Abstract Purpose: Punica granatum ( P. granatum ) L. leaves were examined for potential antitrypanosomal properties. These leaves were acquired and identified at Ahmadu Bello University (A.B.U.) Herbarium Unit in Zaria. Following drying, the following solvents—chloroform, ethyl acetate, and ethanol—were used for exhaustive Soxhlet extraction. The crude extracts phytochemical analysis and in vitro antitrypanosomal capability were performed on Trypanosoma brucei brucei ( T. b. brucei ). Research Method: The National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Basawa, Zaria, obtained the organism T. b. brucei . The wet and thick blood film method and the rapid matching method were used to examine the antitrypanosomal activity under 400x magnification. In 96-round-bottom well microtiter plates, the in vitro trypanocidal activity was evaluated in duplicate. Findings: The antitrypanosomal activity of the ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts ranged from 6.25 to 400 mg/ml. Red blood cells (RBCs) were destroyed at all concentrations between 200 and 400 mg/ml, while between 6.25 and 100 mg/ml, the RBCs were still intact. As concentrations dropped, the parasite's motility rose. The parasite's motility entirely stopped after 60 minutes, whereas it continued for an additional 80 minutes in the negative control. A standard medicine that was made per the manufacturer's instructions and used as the positive control cleared everything in less than a minute. Original/Value: This research may help in the development of novel antitrypanosomal medications from P. granatum L. As a result, despite lysing the RBC and having no effect on the parasite, the chloroform extract did not kill it. At a minimum concentration of 6.25 mg/ml, the P. granatum L. ethyl acetate and ethanol extract have the potential to operate as antitrypanosomal agents.