Effect of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Cymbopogon citratus Leaf on Trypanosoma brucei Infection in Albino Rats

Ethyl acetate extracts of Cymbopogon citratus leaves were evaluated for their phytochemical constituents and anti-trypanosomal activity in Trypanosoma brucei infected rats. The albino rats were treated for ten days with 200 mg/Kg, 100 mg/Kg and 50 mg/Kg plant extracts per body weight. Treatment with ethylacetatic extract of Cymbopogon citratus at 200 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg extracts per body weight had an effect on the parasite. Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the parasitaemia levels of Trypanosoma brucei infected rats treated with 200 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg extracts per body weight compared with the infected untreated ones. The result of the haematological study showed that significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the packed cell volume (PCV) of treated rats when compared with the infected untreated group. Also, the mean weight and survival rate of the infected treated rats showed a significant difference (P<0.05) when compared to the infected untreated rats. From this study, it was observed that ethyl acetate extract of Cymbopogon citratus leaf is effective against Trypanosoma brucei.