This study evaluated the activity of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) plant extracts on Trypanosoma
evansi infection compared to diminazene aceturate drug (DA). Eight extracts were
prepared at concentrations of 4, 10, & 20mg/ml (four from leaves and four from stem bark) of
the rosemary plant collected from Matrouh Governorate. Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethyl
alcohol, and distilled water were used in order of increasing polarity. Phytoscreening of those
extracts and their toxicity were assessed. In vitro & in vivo studies evaluated T. evansi viability
post treatment and the efficiency of different extracts. Also, for potential hematological and biochemical
abnormalities that may be associated with the administration of different treatments.
The results showed that the phytochemical screening showed significant differences (p≤0.05)
between leaves and stem bark components. Extract of 20mg/ml in vitro affected activity of T.
evansi more than others but, less than diminazene aceturate without acute toxicity. Statistical
analysis corroborated anti-trypanosomal activity-specifically correlated to treatment based on
solvent type and plant part extracted. In vivo results showed a significant reduction in infectioninduced
alterations in treated groups compared to untreated healthy group. Some extracts did
not achieve complete restoration of some selected biochemical indices to a pre-infection state.