Effect of Commiphora molmol extract (Mirazid) on the tegument of Schistosoma mansoni and serum acetylcholinesterase activity in infected mice

Abstract

Context: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has become a useful tool for the study of the ultrastructural changes of the surface of the Schistosoma worms in response to chemotherapy as well as evaluation of serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE) determine safety of the drug on cholinergic function. Aims: The aim was to study the effect of Mirazid (MZD) on the teguments of Schistosoma mansoni worms recovered from infected mice and its effect on the cholinergic function of treated animals compared to praziquantel (PZQ). Materials and Methods: Forty albino mice were enrolled in four groups of ten mice each: Group 1: normal group; Group II: infected control given only the vehicle; Group III: infected mice treated orally with MZD in a dose of 500 mg/kg for 5 days at 7-week postinfection; and Group IV: infected mice treated orally with PZQ 500 mg/kg for 2 days. Two-week posttreatment, mice were sacrificed and Schistosoma worms were examined by SEM and blood samples were taken for estimation of serum AChE. Statistical Analysis Used: The data of serum AChE level were analyzed using Student's t -test for comparison of means. Results: PZQ caused extensive tegumental damages in male and female worms in the form of rupture of tubercles and loss of spines in male worms and ulceration in female worms. MZD showed tegumental damages with shrinkage of the outer surface of male tubercles with marked loss of spines and mild ulceration in female worms. The two drugs showed nonsignificant effect on serum AChE compared to the normal mice. Conclusions: MZD showed potent antischistosomal activity but lower than that of PZQ and the two drugs had no effect on cholinergic function at the studied dose.