In vitro antitrypanosomal potential of chloroform leaf extract of Punica granatum L. on Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Trypanosoma evansi

The plant Pomegranate (Punica granatum Linn.) selected for this study is native to the region of Eurasia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antitrypanosomal potential of the plant against Trypanosoma brucei brucei (T.b. brucei) and Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi). Similarly, the parasites used for this study have two entirely different modes of transmission that is Cyclical Transmission (T.b. brucei) and Mechanical Transmission (T. evansi). The chloroform extract of Punica granatum (P. granatum) was analysed in vitro for trypanocidal activity against T.b. brucei and T. evansi at concentrations of 100 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL and 6.25 mg/mL. The chloroform extracts of P. granatum had trypanocidal activity against T. evansi and was inactive against T.b. brucei. These findings suggest that the mode of transmission may have an effect on the parasite-drug reaction and the possible use of the chloroform extract of P. granatum in the management of trypanosomiasis due to T. evansi which may require further elucidation.