Comparison between the effect of praziquantel and essential oil of Lamiaceace family on hymenolepis nana egg viability in experimentally infected mice

Abstract

Background Hymenolepis nana (H. nana) is the most common tapeworm infection worldwide. It is more prevalent in warm climates where sanitation is poor, particularly among children. Objectives In this work, we investigated the effect of praziquantel (PZQ), given at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight (single dose), and essential oil of Lamiaceace family given at a dose of 400 μl/kg body weight (for 5 days and a second course given after 1 week) on the egg viability of experimental H. nana-infected mice (80 laboratorybred male Swiss albino mice). Methods Two groups of mice were used in the study: one group received PZQ and the other received essential oil of Lamiaceace family. The mice that received treatments were killed after the development of the adult stage, confirmed by egg detection in stool. Results PZQ resulted in significant reduction in the number of viable eggs from the first day of treatment, whereas essential oil of Lamiaceace family resulted in significant reduction in the number of viable eggs from the third day of treatment and was remarkable after the second course of treatment. Conclusions It was concluded that essential oils of Lamiaceace family have significant anticestodal properties that enable them to be a very effective alternative to PZQ against H. nana.