Activity and Toxicity of Tinospora bakis in Rats

The activity of Tinospora bakis was evaluated in vivo against Trypanosoma evansi infection in rats. The plant extracts were administered orally at dose rates of 100, 250 and 500 mg kg-1 b.wt. for both methanolic and chloroformic extracts. The result was compared to Cymelarsan which was given at the recommended dose of 2.5 mg kg-1, b.wt. subcutaneously. Daily programs for the parasitaemia for all methanolic and chloroformic extracts in infected or uninfected rats were followed for 30 days after treatment. Blood was collected every week for analysis. Tinospora bakis extract was found to be effective in cleaning the parasite for a considerable time. The plant was found to be toxic only with the high dose (500 mg kg-1 b.wt.) of the chloroformic extract. There was an increase in the level of GOT, GPT, Alkaline phosphatase and to some extend in the urea and creatinine. There were necrotic foci in the liver of the rats treated with the high dose of the chloroformic extract.