Ethanolic Extract of Psidium guajava Influences Protein and Bilirubin Levels in Trypanosoma brucei brucei Infected Rats

Previous report from our laboratory demonstrated the activity of ethanolic extract of Psidium guajava leaf against bloodstream forms of trypanosomes in an experimental infection. The present study investigated the mitigating effects of P. guajava leaf extract on Trypanosoma brucei brucei-induced changes in rat serum and tissue total protein, albumin, globulin, unconjugated bilirubin and total bilirubin. Our data revealed that trypanosome infection caused a rise in protein and globulin concentrations but reduced albumin concentrations were observed (p<0.05). There was also a significant increase in the serum and tissue bilirubin concentrations of the infected animals. In contrast, however, these biochemical alteration were less severe (p<0.05) in the treated group relative to the untreated counterparts. The data suggest the capacity of the ethanolic extract of P. guajava in downplaying the severity of the conditions usually associated with trypanosome infections.