Trypanosuppresive effects of ellagic acid and amelioration of the trypanosome-associated pathological features coupled with inhibitory effects on trypanosomal sialidase in vitro and in silico

BACKGROUND The search for novel antitrypanosomal agents had previously led to the isolation of ellagic acid as a bioactive antitrypanosomal compound using in vitro studies. However, it is not known whether this compound will elicit antitrypanosomal activity in in vivo condition which is usually the next step in the drug discovery process. PURPOSE Herein, we investigated the in vivo activity of ellagic acid against bloodstream form of Trypanosoma congolense and its ameliorative effects on trypanosome-induced anemia and organ damage as well as inhibitory effects on trypanosomal sialidase. METHODS Rats were infected with T. congolense and were treated with 100 and 200mg/kg body weight (BW) of ellagic acid for fourteen days. The levels of parasitemia, packed cell volume and biochemical parameters…