Drug Development and Conversion of Biodiversity in West and Central Africa
Abstract
This project is being conducted as part of Associated Project #3 of the International Cooperative Biodiversity Group Program under the direction of the Walter Reed Army Institute for Research. The focus of this ICBG Program's study is plants of West and Central Africa. During the reporting period, a total of 41 plant extracts were received from WRAIR, an additional eight compounds were received from the University of Dschang (Cameroon, AP#2). These agents were tested in vitro vs. strains of African trypanosomes (Trypanosoma brucei group) and of pathogenic trichomonads (Trichomonas vaginalis and Tri-trichomonas foetus). An additional 68 extracts were received from WRAIR in late February and are now entering preliminary screening. For the trypanosome screens, 39 of 41 WRAIR extracts and all eight of the AP#2 extracts were tested in vitro vs. three strains. Eight extracts were tested vs. two strains of T. vaginalis and 22 were tested vs. T foetus. For trypanosome studies, 21 of the WRAIR extracts and 4 of 8 of the AP#2 extracts had IC50 values less than or equal to 20 micrograms/ml. Three of the extracts tested vs T vaginalis had minimal inhibitory concentrations of 0.3-0.6 mg/ml, while 2 of 22 tested vs. T foetus had similarly high activity. Extracts active vs. trypanosomes were tested in a mouse model infection of T brucei at a dose range of 1-25 mg/kg i.p for three days. None of the 21 extracts tested were curative, however, two prolonged life. Some of the plant genera showing activity in vitro were: Afromomum, Aspilia, Chamaecrista, Cryptolepis, Enantia, Hoslundia, Icacina, Uvaria, and Pleiocarpa.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA406101
Entities
People
- Cyrus J. Bacchi
Organizations
- Pace University