Trypanosomiasis is virulent, inoculable and highly fatal protozoan disease that affects both human and domestic animal. The effects of some neem leaf phytochemicals on weight and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) of Trypanosoma brucei brucei infected albino rats have been investigated in this study. Neem leaves preparation, phytochemicals extraction were done using standard protocols. Experimental animals and Test Organism (Trypanosoma brucei brucei) used in this study were obtained from Nigeria Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research, (NIFTR) Kaduna. Albino rats were inoculated with the parasites and screened for development of infection using the buffy coat technique. Thirty two rats were randomly distributed into 8 groups. Group A infected but no treatment; Group B infected and treated with Diminazine aceturate. Group C to K were infected and treated with varying concentration (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) of either alkaloids, glycoside neem extract or both. All groups were treated for 4 days, and given food and water of equal proportion. Body weights and packed cell volume (PCV) were determined using standard procedure. The study revealed that albino rats in the untreated control group and those administered with 100mg/kg/bodyweight of either Alkaloids, Glycosides, or both extract of neem leaves showed gradual decrease in body weight. While T. b. brucei infected albino rats on extract inoculums of 200 and 400mg/kg/bodyweight and standard drug showed increase in body weight. The results shows significant difference (p<0.05) in PCV values between those in the treatment groups when compared with group administered with standard drug. There is need for continuous studies in order to extract and purify more compounds responsible for the antitrypanosomal activity of the studied plant.

Keywords : Trypanosomiasis; Neem; Phytochemicals; Albino rats; Weight and PCV