Anti-Trypanosomal Activity of Nigerian Plants and Their Constituents

African trypanosomiasis is a vector-borne parasitic disease causing serious risks to the lives of about 60 million people and 48 million cattle globally. Nigerian medicinal plants are known to contain a large variety of chemical structures and some of the plant extracts have been screened for antitrypanosomal activity, in the search for potential new drugs against the illness. We surveyed the literatures on plants and plant-derived products with antitrypanosomal activity from Nigerian flora published from 1990 to 2014. About 90 plants were identified, with 54 compounds as potential active agents and presented by plant families in alphabetical order. This review indicates that the Nigerian flora may be suitable as a starting point in searching for new and more efficient trypanocidal molecules.

[1]  William N. Setzer,et al.  The Potential of Secondary Metabolites from Plants as Drugs or Leads against Protozoan Neglected Diseases—Part III: In-Silico Molecular Docking Investigations , 2016, Molecules.

[2]  P. Proksch,et al.  Evaluation of the in vitro trypanocidal activity of methylated flavonoid constituents of Vitex simplicifolia leaves , 2015, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

[3]  A. B. Aliyu,et al.  Anti-trypanosomal activity of African medicinal plants: a review update. , 2014, Journal of ethnopharmacology.

[4]  Philip N. Judson,et al.  A Bioactivity Versus Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants from Nigeria, West Africa , 2014, Natural Products and Bioprospecting.

[5]  B. Maikai,et al.  In Vitro Effect of Aqueous Extract and Fraction IV Portion of Ximenia americana Stem Bark on Trypanosoma congolense DNA , 2014, Journal of parasitology research.

[6]  T. Johnson In vivo Trypanocidal Activity of Ethanolic Crude Extract and Phytochemical Fractions of Garcinia kola Seeds , 2014 .

[7]  A. Ene In vitro and In vivo Antitrypanosomal Effects of Petroleum Ether, Chloroform and Methanol Extracts of Artemisia maritima Linn , 2014 .

[8]  M. Thrusfield,et al.  A longitudinal survey of African animal trypanosomiasis in domestic cattle on the Jos Plateau, Nigeria: prevalence, distribution and risk factors , 2013, Parasites & Vectors.

[9]  Abdulazeez Mansurah Abimbola,et al.  Anti-trypanosomal effect of Peristrophe bicalyculata extract on Trypanosoma brucei brucei-infected rats. , 2013, Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine.

[10]  L. Baba-Moussa,et al.  Bioactivity, therapeutic utility and toxicological risks of Khaya senegalensis , 2013 .

[11]  M. Mahomoodally,et al.  African Flora as Potential Sources of Medicinal Plants: Towards the Chemotherapy of Major Parasitic and Other Infectious Diseases- A Review , 2013 .

[12]  J. Okogun,et al.  Anti-Trypanosomal Potential of Eucalyptus Camaldulensis , 2013 .

[13]  S. Adesina,et al.  African mistletoes (Loranthaceae); ethnopharmacology, chemistry and medicinal values: an update. , 2013, African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM.

[14]  P. Michels,et al.  Antitrypanosomal compounds from the essential oil and extracts of Keetia leucantha leaves with inhibitor activity on Trypanosoma brucei glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. , 2013, Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology.

[15]  A. Kabiru,et al.  Evaluation of antitrypanosomal activity of Adansonia digitata (methanol seed extract) in Albino mice , 2013 .

[16]  A. Mann,et al.  Evaluation of Medicinal Plants from Nupeland for Their in vivo Antitrypanosomal Activity , 2012 .

[17]  A. Mann,et al.  Antimycobacterial Friedelane-terpenoid from the Root Bark of Terminalia Avicennioides , 2012 .

[18]  W. Setzer,et al.  The potential of secondary metabolites from plants as drugs or leads against protozoan neglected diseases - part II. , 2012, Current medicinal chemistry.

[19]  David J Newman,et al.  Natural products as sources of new drugs over the 30 years from 1981 to 2010. , 2012, Journal of natural products.

[20]  O. Adeyemi,et al.  Ethanolic Extract of Psidium guajava Influences Protein and Bilirubin Levels in Trypanosoma brucei brucei Infected Rats , 2012 .

[21]  R. Brun,et al.  Antitrypanosomal activity of some medicinal plants from Nigerian ethnomedicine , 2012, Parasitology Research.

[22]  C. Clements,et al.  Anti-Trypanosomal Activity and Cytotoxicity of Some Compounds and Extracts from Nigerian Medicinal Plants , 2011 .

[23]  P. Minoprio,et al.  Genetic Engineering of Trypanosoma (Dutonella) vivax and In Vitro Differentiation under Axenic Conditions , 2011, PLoS neglected tropical diseases.

[24]  O. Adeyemi,et al.  Anti-trypanosomal and cytotoxic activity of ethanolic extracts of Psidium guajava leaves in Alamar Blue based assays. , 2011 .

[25]  M. A. Bray,et al.  Antitrypanosomal Activity of Fexinidazole, a New Oral Nitroimidazole Drug Candidate for Treatment of Sleeping Sickness , 2011, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.

[26]  A. Mann,et al.  Therapeutic evaluation of Acacia nilotica (Linn) stem bark extract in experimental African trypanosomiasis , 2011 .

[27]  Z. Ladan,et al.  Chemical composition and biological activity of the volatile oils of Hyptis spicigera against Trypanosoma brucei brucei, (Tbb) found in Northern Nigeria , 2011 .

[28]  I. U. Asuzu,et al.  Investigation of the antitrypanosomal activity of Buchholzia coriacea seed extract against a field strain of Trypanosoma congolense. , 2011, African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM.

[29]  U. Ndidi,et al.  Phytochemical and Antitrypanosomal Studies of Different Solvents Extracts of Boswellia dalzielii , 2011 .

[30]  N. Nweze,et al.  Trypanocidal activity of the ethanolic extract of Buchholzia coriacea seed , 2011 .

[31]  S. Zinjarde,et al.  Evaluation of Traditional Indian Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants for Human Pancreatic Amylase Inhibitory Effect In Vitro , 2010, Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM.

[32]  P. Jaya,et al.  Peristrophe bicalyculata - A Review , 2010 .

[33]  A. Afolayan,et al.  Bioactivity profile of compounds isolated from Hymenocardia acida Tul. leaves , 2010 .

[34]  D. Balogun,et al.  In-vitro and -vivo anti-Trypanosoma evansi activities of extracts from different parts of Khaya senegalensis. , 2010 .

[35]  K. Shetty,et al.  Phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and in vitro inhibitory potential against key enzymes relevant for hyperglycemia and hypertension of commonly used medicinal plants, herbs and spices in Latin America. , 2010, Bioresource technology.

[36]  A. B. Aliyu,et al.  Senna occidentalis leaf extract possesses antitrypanosomal activity and ameliorates the trypanosome-induced anemia and organ damage , 2010, Pharmacognosy research.

[37]  M. Mahomoodally,et al.  Screening for alternative antibiotics: an investigation into the antimicrobial activities of medicinal food plants of Mauritius. , 2010, Journal of food science.

[38]  S. Swaleh,et al.  Antiplasmodial, anti-trypanosomal, anti-leishmanial and cytotoxicity activity of selected Tanzanian medicinal plants. , 2010, Tanzania journal of health research.

[39]  O. James,et al.  Studies on some nutritional characteristics of the fruit and leaf of Saba florida (Benth.) from Ibaji forest , 2010 .

[40]  O. Adeyemi,et al.  Ethanolic leaf extract of Psidium guajava: phyto-chemical and trypanocidal activity in rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. , 2009 .

[41]  W. Setzer,et al.  Comparative Molecular Docking of Antitrypanosomal Natural Products into Multiple Trypanosoma brucei Drug Targets , 2009, Molecules.

[42]  A. Mann,et al.  Efficacy of Dissotis rotundifolia on Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in rats , 2009 .

[43]  Polycarp Nnacheta Comparative antioxidant capacity, membrane stabilization, polyphenol composition and cytotoxicity of the leaf and stem of Cissus multistriata , 2008 .

[44]  A. Gray,et al.  Friedelanone and other triterpenoids from hymenocardia acida , 2008 .

[45]  R. Brun,et al.  In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the antitrypanosomal activity of fractions of Holarrhena africana. , 2007, Journal of ethnopharmacology.

[46]  I. Umar,et al.  Amelioration of anaemia and organ damage by combined intraperitoneal administration of vitamins A and C to Trypanosoma brucei brucei -infected rats , 2007 .

[47]  F. Opperdoes,et al.  Antitrypanosomal activity of triterpenoids and sterols from the leaves of Strychnos spinosa and related compounds. , 2007, Journal of natural products.

[48]  J. Okogun,et al.  In vivo trypanocidal activity of Annona senegalensis Pers. leaf extract against Trypanosoma brucei brucei. , 2007, Journal of ethnopharmacology.

[49]  D. Newman,et al.  Natural products as sources of new drugs over the last 25 years. , 2007, Journal of natural products.

[50]  P. Mpiana,et al.  In vitro antidrepanocytary actvity (anti-sickle cell anemia) of some congolese plants. , 2007, Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology.

[51]  A. Gurib-Fakim,et al.  Screening for anti-infective properties of several medicinal plants of the Mauritians flora. , 2007, Journal of ethnopharmacology.

[52]  J. Quetin-Leclercq,et al.  Antitrypanosomal compounds from the leaf essential oil of Strychnos spinosa. , 2006, Planta medica.

[53]  J. Staden,et al.  Emodin, an antibacterial anthraquinone from the roots of Cassia occidentalis , 2006 .

[54]  V. Yardley,et al.  Antitrypanosomal and Antileishmanial Activities of Flavonoids and Their Analogues: In Vitro, In Vivo, Structure-Activity Relationship, and Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship Studies , 2006, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.

[55]  R. Brun,et al.  Comparative antiplasmodial, leishmanicidal and antitrypanosomal activities of several biflavonoids. , 2006, Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology.

[56]  I. Abdullahi,et al.  The antimicrobial activity of the stem-bark and leaf of Parkia clappertoniana Keay family Leguminosae against selected microorganisms , 2005 .

[57]  M. Nyegue,et al.  Aromatic plants of tropical Central Africa. XLVIII. Comparative study of the essential oils of four Hyptis species from Cameroon: H. lanceolata Poit., H. pectinata (L.) Poit., H. spicigera Lam. and H. suaveolens Poit. , 2005 .

[58]  J. Igoli,et al.  TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRACTICE AMONGST THE IGEDE PEOPLE OF NIGERIA. PART II , 2005 .

[59]  S. Atawodi Comparative in vitro trypanocidal activities of petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts of some Nigerian savannah plants , 2005 .

[60]  I. Lawal,et al.  Implicating roles of animal reservoir hosts in the resurgence of Gambian trypanosomosis (Sleeping Sickness) , 2005 .

[61]  M. Mahomoodally,et al.  Antimicrobial Activities and Phytochemical Profiles of Endemic Medicinal Plants of Mauritius , 2005 .

[62]  F. Afifi,et al.  Studies on the in vitro and in vivo hypoglycemic activities of some medicinal plants used in treatment of diabetes in Jordanian traditional medicine. , 2004, Journal of ethnopharmacology.

[63]  F. Opperdoes,et al.  Natural products active against African trypanosomes: a step towards new drugs. , 2004, Natural product reports.

[64]  D. Malvy,et al.  Quercetin Induces Apoptosis of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Decreases the Proinflammatory Response of Human Macrophages , 2004, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.

[65]  J. Igoli,et al.  Traditional Medicinal Practices Among the Igede People of Nigeria , 2004 .

[66]  R. Kaminsky,et al.  Drug transport and drug resistance in African trypanosomes. , 2003, Drug resistance updates : reviews and commentaries in antimicrobial and anticancer chemotherapy.

[67]  A. Nok,et al.  Full Length Research Paper - In vitro trypanocidal effect of methanolic extract of some Nigerian savannah plants , 2003 .

[68]  T. Kaptchuk,et al.  Systematic review of herbs and dietary supplements for glycemic control in diabetes. , 2003, Diabetes care.

[69]  A. Nok,et al.  Azaanthraquinone inhibits respiration and in vitro growth of long slender bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma congolense , 2002, Cell biochemistry and function.

[70]  K. Akut,et al.  Ethnoveterinary medical practice for ruminants in the subhumid zone of northern Nigeria. , 2002, Preventive veterinary medicine.

[71]  G. Cordell,et al.  The potential of alkaloids in drug discovery , 2001, Phytotherapy research : PTR.

[72]  S. Apers,et al.  In-vivo antimalarial activity of Cassia occidentalism Morinda morindoides and Phyllanthus niruri , 2001, Annals of tropical medicine and parasitology.

[73]  S. Apers,et al.  Antimalarial activity of 20 crude extracts from nine African medicinal plants used in Kinshasa, Congo. , 1999, Journal of ethnopharmacology.

[74]  G. Lucier,et al.  Medicinal herbs in the United States: research needs. , 1999, Environmental health perspectives.

[75]  M. Kamuanga,et al.  Improvement of Cattle Productivity through Rapid Alleviation of African Animal Trypanosomosis by Integrated Disease Management Practices in the Agropastoral Zone of Yalé, Burkina Faso , 1999, Tropical Animal Health and Production.

[76]  D J Newman,et al.  Natural products in drug discovery and development. , 1997, Journal of natural products.

[77]  R. Kaminsky,et al.  Evaluation of African medicinal plants for their in vitro trypanocidal activity. , 1996, Journal of ethnopharmacology.

[78]  P. Cattand The scourge of human African trypanosomiasis. , 1995, Africa health.

[79]  J. Bessière,et al.  Aromatic plants of tropical Central Africa. V. Volatile components of three Zingiberaceae from Cameroon: Aframomum melegueta (Roscoe) K. Schum., A. daniellii (Hook. f.) K. Schum. and A. sulcatum (Oliv. and Hanb.) K. Schum , 1991 .

[80]  A. Sartorelli,et al.  The effects of the methylating agent 1,2-bis(methylsulfonyl)-1-methylhydrazine on morphology, DNA content and mitochondrial function of Trypanosoma brucei subspecies. , 1991, The Journal of protozoology.

[81]  I. U. Asuzu,et al.  Effects of Morinda lucida leaf extract on Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in mice. , 1990, Journal of ethnopharmacology.

[82]  J. Scheffer,et al.  Composition of the herb essential oil of Hyptis spicigera Lam. , 1990 .

[83]  F. Simone,et al.  New Quinovic Acid Glycosides from Uncaria tomentosa , 1988 .

[84]  A. Sartorelli,et al.  1,2-Bis(sulfonyl)hydrazines. 3. Effects of structural modification on antineoplastic activity. , 1987, Journal of medicinal chemistry.

[85]  R. Joshua,et al.  Isolation of human serum resistant Trypanozoon from cattle in Nigeria. , 1983, Tropenmedizin und Parasitologie.

[86]  M. A. Ibrahim,et al.  Plants used in traditional veterinary medical practice in Nigeria , 1980 .

[87]  E. Allonby,et al.  The economic effects of trypanosomiasis in sheep and goats at a range research station in Kenya , 1979, Tropical Animal Health and Production.

[88]  J. Dalziel,et al.  The useful plants of West Tropical Africa. , 1938 .

[89]  M. Liman,et al.  Proximate Analysis, Phytochemical Screening and Antitrypanocidal Potentials of Bucholzia Coriacea in Trypanosoma Brucei Brucei- Infected Mice , 2014 .

[90]  G. Anyanwu,et al.  TRYPANOCIDAL POTENTIAL OF CARRISA EDULIS IN MALE WISTAR RATS INFECTED WITH T. CONGOLENSE , 2014 .

[91]  T. T. Amom,et al.  Phytochemical and Medicinal activities of Hymenocardia acida Tul(Euphorbiaceae): A Review , 2013 .

[92]  A. Usman,et al.  Evaluation of trypanosomal activity of Tapinanthus globiferus and Gongronema latifolium on Trypanosoma congolense , 2013 .

[93]  Shaida Physiochemical Evaluation of Ethanolic Root Extract of Carissa Spinarum ( Wild Karanda ) on Trypanosoma Brucei Brucei ( Federe Strain ) Infected Mice , 2013 .

[94]  E. Amadi,et al.  Effect of Aqueous Extract of Moringa Oleifera on Serum Protein of Trypanosoma Brucei- Infected Rats , 2013 .

[95]  Awulu,et al.  Phytochemical Screening and in Vivo Antitrypanosomal Activity of Methanol Extracts of Peristrophe Bicalyculata in Mice Infected With Trypanosoma Evansi , 2013 .

[96]  S. J. Oniye,et al.  Phytochemical Screening and in Vivo Antitrypanosomal Activity of Methanol Extracts of Peristrophe Bicalyculata in Mice Infected With Trypanosoma Evansi , 2013 .

[97]  J. Okogun,et al.  The identification of putative antitrypanosomal compounds in Tridax procumbens extracts , 2012 .

[98]  Rajeev K. Singla,et al.  Scientific Investigation of Antitrypanosomal Activity of Crateva Adansonii DC Leaves Extracts , 2012, Indo Global Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

[99]  G. Anyanwu,et al.  Antitrypanosomal activity of anogeissus leiocarpus in rats infected with trypanosoma brucei brucei , 2012 .

[100]  Benoit Banga N'guessan,et al.  Antidiarrhoeal activity of an ethanol extract of the stem bark of Piliostigma reticulatum (Caesalpiniaceae) in rats. , 2012, African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM.

[101]  N. Pandey,et al.  IN VITRO ANTITRYPANOSOMAL EVALUATION OF PICRO RHIZA KURROA RHIZOMES , 2012 .

[102]  W. Setzer,et al.  The potential of secondary metabolites from plants as drugs or leads against protozoan neglected diseases - part II. , 2012, Current medicinal chemistry.

[103]  C. Uchendu,et al.  In Vivo Trypanocidal activity of Hydroethanolic extract of Hymenocardia acida stem bark in Rats , 2011 .

[104]  P. Shaba,et al.  In vitro trypanocidal activity of methanolic extracts of Quercus borealis leaves and Zingiber officinale roots against Trypanosoma evansi , 2011 .

[105]  A. W. Mbaya,et al.  In vivo and in vitro Activities of Medicinal Plants on Haemic and Humoral Trypanosomes: A Review , 2011 .

[106]  Von Bernhardi Phenolic compounds , antioxidant activity and in vitro inhibitory potential against key enzymes relevant for hyperglycemia and hypertension of commonly used medicinal plants , herbs and spices in Latin America , 2011 .

[107]  E. Ajaiyeoba,et al.  In vitro and in vivo animal model antitrypanosomal evaluation of ten medicinal plant extracts from south west Nigeria , 2009 .

[108]  A. A. Adeiza,et al.  Phytochemical screening and evaluation of some medicinal plants for their in vitro activities on Trypanosoma evansi. , 2009 .

[109]  R. Ofukwu,et al.  In vitro anti trypanosomal activity of crude extracts of some Nigerian medicinal plants. , 2009 .

[110]  A. Okoh,et al.  Studies on the biocidal and cell membrane disruption potentials of stem bark extracts of Afzelia africana (Smith). , 2009, Biological research.

[111]  G. Njoku,et al.  In vivo activity of stem bark aqueous extract of Khaya senegalensis against Trypanosoma brucei , 2008 .

[112]  T. Sharif,et al.  Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Aqueous Methanolic Extract of Acacia Nilotica Pods in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rabbits , 2008 .

[113]  D. Bouchu,et al.  Amphiphile triterpenoids from Hymenocardia acida Tul. Phytoantimalarial and anti-inflammatory activities? , 2005 .

[114]  Michel. Arbonnier,et al.  Trees, shrubs, and lianas of West African dry zones , 2004 .

[115]  M. Barrett,et al.  Uptake and mode of action of drugs used against sleeping sickness. , 2001, Biochemical pharmacology.

[116]  S. Ignacimuthu,et al.  Antibacterial activity of some folklore medicinal plants used by tribals in Western Ghats of India. , 2000, Journal of ethnopharmacology.

[117]  C. Lockett,et al.  Food-related behaviors during drought: a study of rural Fulani, northeastern Nigeria. , 2000, International journal of food sciences and nutrition.

[118]  J. T. Barminas,et al.  Nutrient content of Prosopis africana seeds , 1998, Plant foods for human nutrition.

[119]  A. Sofowora Research on medicinal plants and traditional medicine in Africa. , 1996, Journal of alternative and complementary medicine.

[120]  S. Williams,et al.  Allium sativum-induced death of African trypanosomes , 1996, Parasitology Research.

[121]  S. Adesina,et al.  Nigerian flora and its pharmaceutical potential. , 1987, Journal of ethnopharmacology.

[122]  Abayomi Sofowora,et al.  Medicinal plants and traditional medicine in Africa , 1982 .

[123]  P. Delaveau,et al.  Naucléidinal et epinaucléidinal, alcaloïdes du Nauclea latifolia , 1980 .