Anti-Trypanosomal potential of momordica balsamina Linn Fruit Pulp extract against Trypanosoma brucei brucei Infection

The search for new trypanocides has not been keenly pursued due to high cost of design and development with no promise of financial returns. Momordica balsamina fruit pulp extract was screened for antitrypanosomal activity in experimental T. brucei brucei infection in rabbits. The extract was administered prior to parasite inoculation; 24 hours post parasite inoculation and on establishment of infection. The treatment was by oral administration of the extract at 500 mg/kg body weight for 14 consecutive days. Parasitaemia was monitored daily while body weight and packed cell volume (PCV) were determined before commencement of studies and subsequently at weekly intervals for 28 days. TThe result showed a significant (P0.05) delay in the establishment of T. b. brucei infection in rabbits treated at 24 hours post parasite inoculation. Packed cell volume also increased significantly (P0.05) in all treated groups when compared to the untreated group (control). This was less in the group treated on establishment of infection. Administration of the extract to the curative group resulted in body weight gain. The other groups suffered weight loss. The infected but not treated group died at day 39 post infection while those treated before parasite inoculation; 24 hours post parasite inoculation; and on the establishment of infection survived for 45 days;53 days; and 61 days respectively. We conclude that M. balsamina pulp extract reduces anaemia in experimentally infected rabbits

Assessment of renal function in malaria patients in Minna, North Central Nigeria

Establishment of prevalence of malaria-associated renal impairment in Nigeria is important for proper prognosis and management of malaria and its associated complications. Using biuret method for protein estimation; alkaline picrate-slot method for creatinine and urea estimation; and flame photometry and titrimetric method for electrolytes estimation; selected kidney function parameters which included proteinuria; serum levels of urea; creatinine and electrolytes were determined in 169 malaria patients and in 58 individuals without malaria. Data obtained were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance to compare variation among malaria patients and individuals without malaria; Duncan multiple range test to compare variation among means; and correlation matrix to evaluate correlation between the parameters measured. Proteinuria in malaria cases differed significantly (p 0.05) from individuals without malaria; and a positive correlation existed between proteinuria and parasitaemia. There was no significant difference (p0.05) in the creatinine levels of malaria patients and those without malaria. It is concluded that there is a form of renal impairment associated with malaria infection in Minna irrespective of age and sex