Abstract

Aqueous and methanol leaf extracts of V. sinaiticum were investigated for the presence of secondary metabolites and their in vitro activity against Trypanosoma congolence, the main causative agent of African animal trypanosomosis in Sub-Saharan Africa and Ethiopia. The in vitro assay was carried out by monitoring test concentrations of 4, 2, 1, 0.4 and 0.2 mg/ml for cessation or reduction in motility of trypanosomes followed by monitoring for loss of infectivity to mice. Phytochemical screening revealed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, saponins, steroids and tannins. An appreciable in vitro activity was attained by the methanol extract of V. sinaiticum at 4 mg/ml concentration. In general, the results obtained suggest ethnopharmacological usefulness of the plant and necessitate further studies to be carried on isolated active substances from the plant.

Keywords: Trypanosomosis; Trypanosoma congolense; Verbascum sinaiticum