Effects of Methanol Extract of Musca domestica Larvae on Antioxidants Enzymes in T. Brucei Infected Rats.

Abstract

The anti-trypanosomal potential of crude methanol extract of Musca domestica was investigated in T. brucei infected rats. Twenty (20) rats were intraperitoneally infected with the parasite and grouped into 4 (A-D) of 5 animals each. Group A rats received 1 mL of distilled water, groups B and C received 400mg/kg body weight of the extract, in prophylactic and suppressive model respectively, while group D received 3.5mg/kg of diminazene aceturate (Berenil®). A control group containing 5 rats was also set up. Results obtained showed that the extracts extend the lifespan from day 5 of the rats that received distilled water to 7 and 11 days and reduced the level of parasite replication for prophylactic and early treated (26% and 49% respectively) on the last day. There were significant (p<0.05) decrease in serum catalase (CAT) activities of control (normal) group when compare with other experimental groups but not significantly (p>0.05) difference with prophylactic treated rats. Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly (p<0.05) higher in rats that received distilled water when compare with other experimental group but not significantly difference when compare with early treated group. The results suggest that methanol extract of Musca domestica probably has trypanocidal properties as well as the ability to reduce parasitaemia and the severity of the disease. The extract also possesses some antioxidant properties that could serve as a source for new drugs lead for the treatment of trypanosomiasis.