Trypanocidal potentials of Azadirachta indica: in vivo activity of leaf extract against Trypanosoma brucei brucei

An aqueous extract of defatted leaves of Azadirachta indica was found to possess trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Column chromatography of the crude extract gave three fractions, I, II, and III, that eluted with ethylacetate/methanol, benzene/methanol, and acetic acid/methanol, respectively. Of these extracts, only fraction III retained trypanocidal properties and cured mice chronically infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Histopathological studies of the brains, livers, hearts, and spleens of the treated mice showed no cellular infiltrations. These findings are discussed in relation to trypanosome chemotherapy.