EFFECT OF JATROPHA TANJORENSIS ON TRYPANOSOMA BRUCEI INDUCED ANAEMIA IN MICE

ABSTRACT Trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei, affecting both humans and animals. One of the major complications of trypanosomiasis is anaemia, which significantly contributes to the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. In search of alternative therapies, medicinal plants have gained attention due to their pharmacological properties. Jatropha tanjorensis, a plant traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and haematopoietic properties, has shown potential in ameliorating anaemic conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract on Trypanosoma brucei-induced anaemia in mice.Mice were infected with T. brucei and divided into groups receiving different doses of J. tanjorensis extract 200mg/kg BW and 400mg/kg BW, alongside control groups treated with standard anti-trypanosomal drugs and untreated infected mice. Haematological parameters such as haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), and red blood cell count were assessed post-treatment to evaluate the effectiveness of the plant extract in mitigating anaemia. Preliminary results suggest that the administration of J. tanjorensis extract significantly improved haematological indices in infected mice, with a marked increase in haemoglobin levels and PCV compared to untreated controls. The extract also reduces parasite load, indicating potential anti-trypanosomal activity. These findings suggest that Jatropha tanjorensis possess both anti-anaemic and anti-trypanosomal activities.This observation might be due to the presence of phenols,alkaloids and flavonoids,making it a promising candidate for complementary therapy in the management of trypanosomiasis-associated anaemia. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its effects and to determine its safety and efficacy in larger animal models and clinical trials.