Evaluation of the In Vivo Anti-Trypanosomal Activity of the Ethanolic Root Extract of Zingiber officinale in Trypanosoma brucei brucei Infected Mice

Abstract

African trypanosomiasis remains a significant public health and veterinary challenge in subSaharan Africa, complicated by limitations of existing chemotherapeutics, including toxicity and drug resistance. Medicinal plants such as Zingiber officinale (ginger) represent a potential source of novel anti trypanosomal agents. This study investigated the in vivo anti-trypanosomal activity of the ethanolic root extract of Zingiber officinale against Trypanosoma brucei brucei in mice. Methodology: The root of Z. officinale was macerated in 70% ethanol, yielding a 3.75% extract. An acute toxicity test was conducted using Lorke's method. The anti-trypanosomal activity was evaluated in four-day suppressive, curative, and prophylactic (repository) tests inT. b. bruceiinfected mice. Mice were treated with the extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight, with diminazene aceturate (5 mg/kg) and normal saline (5 ml/kg) serving as positive and negative controls, respectively. Parasitemia levels and mean survival time were monitored. Results: The acute toxicity test established an oral LD₅₀ of 3,353 mg/kg, indicating a wide safety margin. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids. In the suppressive test, the extract produced a dose-dependent chemosuppression of 58.3%, 62.3%, and 82.6% at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively, compared to 98.2% for diminazene. In the curative test, the extract demonstrated percentage reductions in parasitemia of 44.0%, 50.8%, and 78.3% at the same doses, versus 95.4% for the standard drug. The prophylactic test revealed a repository effect with suppressions of 49.0%, 49.9%, and 81.0% for the extract, compared to 97.6% for diminazene. Conclusion: The ethanolic root extract of Zingiber officinale possesses significant dosedependent anti-trypanosomal activity in murine models, substantiating its traditional use. These findings justify further investigation into the isolation of the active compounds and their mechanisms of action.