Drug Development and Conservation of Biodiversity in West and Central Africa.
Abstract
This research was conducted as part of Associated Project #3 of the International Cooperative Biodiversity Group (ICBO) program awarded to the Walter Reed Army Institute for Research (WRAIR). This project concerns the detection of growth inhibition of African trypanosomes and of pathogenic trichomonads by phyto- extracts from West Africa. During this period, 21 extracts received from WRAIR were screened against one Trypanosoma brucei strain and three Trypanosoma rhodesiense strains. Eight of these had IC(50) values of< 0.1 to <20 ug/ml, and were of interest for further studies. Four extracts from previous studies were tested in vivo in a L brucei mouse model, at up to 50 mg/kg/day i.p. x 3 days. None prolonged the life-span of infected animals. Additionally, based on trypanosome sterol requirements and evidence of plant sterols in active plant extracts, five anti-hypercholesteremic agents used in clinical medicine were tested in the trypanosome mouse model. None prolonged the life-span of infected animals at up to 100 mg/kg/day for 3 days. Sixteen extracts were tested vs. metronidazole-sensitive and -resistant isolates of Trichomonas vaginalis and a Tritrichomonasfoe(us isolate. Of these, five had MIC values of< 0.1 mg/ml including an extract of Dracaena mannii which gave MIC values of 0.0125 to 0.006 mg/ml.These studies are continuing, with increased emphasis on in vivo testing of more highly purified plant extracts in an effort to determine the active agent(s) in these extracts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA379528
Entities
People
- Cyrus J. Bacchi
Organizations
- Pace University