In vitro Antitrypanosomal Activities of the stem bark of Entadrophragma angolense (Meliaceae)

Abstract

African Trypanosomiasis continues to be a major public health concern worldwide, especially in developing countries with thousands of new infected cases yearly 1 They are associated with high significant morbidity and large economic impacts Currently, there are no vaccines to combat this disease, and current chemotherapy regimens are highly toxic, ineffective, and resistant Hence, novel and potent trypanocides are urgently needed Medicinal plants have been documented to be a potential source for the development of antitrypanosomal compounds Amongst such is Entadrophragma angolense an ethnopharmacological plant used in West Africa to treat several ailments including protozoan diseases 2 In this present study, we investigated the potential antitrypanosomal properties of E angolense and its possible development as a therapeutic intervention for treating African trypanosomiasis In vitro effects of crude extracts and fractions of stem bark of E angolense were tested against Trypanosoma brucei using Alamar blue assay Additionally, the crude extract’s antioxidant (FRAP and DPPH) and cytotoxicity activities were also determined The phytochemical profiling of the crude extract was determined using LC ESI QTOF MS to identify major bioactive compounds present Bioactive compounds identified were subjected to molecular docking studies.