ANTISCHISTOSOMAL ACTIVITIES OF PROPOLIS IN SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI INFECTED MICE
Antischistosomal effects of propolis and/or praziquantel (PZQ) on some parasitological, immunological and biochemical aspects in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice were studied. Results of the present study indicated that 160 mg/kg propolis exhibited a significant (P<0.05) reducing action on total and coupled worm number and also total egg count in hepatic and intestinal tissues in a rate which was very closed to that of PZQ (250 mg/kg) when compared to infected mice. In addition, treatment of S. mansoni infected mice with propolis showed more significantly (P<0.05) increase in dead egg count than PZQ when compared with infected mice. The treatment of S. mansoni infected mice with propolis showed more significantly reduction in granuloma diameter than PZQ, also, improved some of the histopathological changes in infected mice. In addition, propolis exhibited a moderate elevation in neutrophils count and a significant increment in neutrophils phagocytic activity as compared to S. mansoni infected mice. Infection of mice with S. mansoni showed a significant elevation (P<0.05) in the activities of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and lipid peroxidation levels, while, liver protein content and the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were significantly (P<0.05) reduced when compared to those of normal mice. Treatment of S. mansoni-infected mice with propolis reduced significantly (P<0.05) AST, ALT and lipid peroxidation levels as compared to infected mice. The same treatment significantly (P<0.05) elevate liver total protein, SOD and CAT activities towards normal control group. Treatment of S. mansoni infected mice with propolis accompanied to PZQ showed lowest ALT and LPO levels when compared to infected mice. It can be concluded that propolis has a potential antischistosomal activity and it can be considered as antischistosomiasis candidate