Antitrypanosomal activity of Aristolochia ringens against Trypanosoma congolense infection in mice

The methanolic extract of Aristolochia ringens whole plant, commonly used in the traditional treatment of various diseases in humans and animal by some phytotherapist in Nigeria, was evaluated for anti-trypanosomal efficacy in mice infected with Trypanosoma congolense. Following three days dose intra-peritoneal administration, the extract produced anti-trypanosomal effect at the three dosage levels of the four tested that is, 433.2, 288.8 and 144.8 mg/kg body weight through the complete suppression or delay in parasite establishment. There was a reduction in the level of parasitaemia as well as enhanced survival of the infected mice, although the plant extract did not significantly (P < 0.05) increase the survival period of the mice compared to the negative control (infected untreated). The results suggest that the use of the extracts traditionally has a pharmacological basis. Key words:  Aristolochia ringens, Trypanosoma congolense, anti-trypanosomal.