In vitro Anti-trypanosomal activity of curcumin isolated from Curcuma longa (Turmeric) rhizomes

Abstract

The exponential rate of cell divisions observed in African trypanosomes has prompted the hypothesis that substances with potent anti-proliferative potential against cancer cells may exhibit anti-trypanosomal activities. Curcumins have been reported to inhibit cancerous cell proliferation in animal models. In the present study, the invitro anti-trypanosomal potential of curcumin isolated from rhizomes of Curcuma longa was evaluated against T. b. brucei, Federe strain. The method of was adopted in the extraction of curcumin from powdered Rhizomes of Curcuma longa. The invitro assay, conducted in 96-well titre plate, over test concentrations of 0.156 and 10 mg/ml, revealed that Curcumin demonstrated anti-trypanosomal activity after 8 hours of incubation, with significant reduction of trypanosome counts in wells containing various concentrations of the isolate compared to the control wells.