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Abstract
Despite the wide currently use of praziquantel (PZQ) in treatment of schistosomiasis, low cure rates have been recorded in many studies. The aim of this study was directed to evaluate the curative effect of propolis (Pp) alone or in combination with PZQ on biochemical, immunological, parasitological and histological changes associated with experimental schistosomiasis in mice. Methods: Schistosomamansoni infected mice were divided into 2 experimental sets, each of 4 subgroups: (i) untreated, (ii) treatedwith Pp/day p.ofor 4 weeks, iii) treated with PZQ p.o 2X 500mg/kg bd wt, and (iv) treated with Pp + PZQ as in group ii and iii; all treatment started on the 8th week post infection, in addition to uninfected group as control for the previous groups. Results: Treatment of infected mice with Pp although failed to eradicate the worm, it significantly reduced the hepatic granuloma number, their lymphocytic infiltration and aggregation, hepatic and splenic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and plasma, liver and thymus nitric oxide (NOx) levels together with normalization of plasma proteins and alleviation of oxidative stress in the examined tissues as evidenced by reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) and normalization of glutathione (GSH). Promising results were obtained when Pp given in combination with PZQ, where the anti-schistosomal activity of PZQ was markedly potentiated with complete alleviation and amelioration of the histological and biochemical alteration associated with schistosomiasis. Conclusion: this study highlights the potential usefulness of Pp as an adjunct to PZQ in schistosomiasis