Abstract

Solvent extracts of the various parts of Boswellia dalzielii (leaves, stem bark and root bark) were screened in
vitro and in vivo for antitrypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Methanolic extract of the
leaves, stem bark and root bark of Boswellia dalzielii at 20 mg/ml caused motility to cease after 35, 20 and 20
minutes, respectively while at 10 mg/ml, motility ceased at 50, 30 and 20 minutes respectively. Chloroform
extract of root bark of the plant caused motility to cease after 40 minutes at concentration of 20 mg/ml. In vivo
activity of methanol extract of the plant on T. brucei brucei infected mice showed consistent parasitemic
suppressions at 300 mg/kg with methanolic extract of the leaves displaying highest activity. Reagent-based
chemical analysis conducted on the extract revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins,
resins, steroids and triterpenes. These findings suggest that methanolic extract of Boswellia dalzielii leaves is
more effective than other parts of the plant, and hence deserve further evaluation in the therapy of
trypanosomiasis.

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