Acute Toxicity Studies and In Vitro Effects of Guiera senegalensis (Sabara) Leaf Aqueous Extract on Trypanosoma brucei

Trypanosomes are a type of protozoan that is spread by the bite of an infected tsetse fly and causes nagana in animals and African trypanosomiasis (also known as sleeping sickness) in people. The purpose of this study was to identify the phytochemical components and acute lethal dose of Guiera senegalensis and to study the effects of its leaf aqueous extract on Trypanosoma brucei. Standard analysis methods were used in this study. Aside the acute toxicity (LD50) test, both the phytochemical and the anti-trypanosomal potential of Guiera senegalensis were carried out in-vitro. While tannins, terpenoids and reducing sugars were highly present, the other phytochemicals evaluated were either moderately present or absent. The median lethal dose (LD50) of the leaf aqueous extract was 500 mg/kg body weight accompanied by early clinical symptoms such as lethargy, lordosis, lack of desire for food, starry hair coat, and mortality within 24 hours. Each of these clinical manifestations was dose-dependent. Guiera senegalensis exerted 100% inhibition on Trypanosoma brucei from 0.313 mg/ml to 40 mg/ml concentration of its leaf aqueous extract. The Guiera senegalensis leaf aqueous extract is rich in phytochemicals and possesses anti-trypanosomal potentials.