Effectiveness of Myrrh in the Treatment of Schistosoma Mansoni Infection: A Controlled Trial

Abstract

Chemotherapy is the main tool for control of schistosomiasis. Although praziquantel has high degree of efficacy and minimal side effects, yet concern was raised over possible low-level resistance. This necessitates search for new safe and effective drugs. The present study was implemented to evaluate the efficacy of Mirazid [oleo-resin extract of Myrrh obtained from the stem of Commiphora molmol]. 1184 recruits were parasitological screened using Kato-Katz technique and intensity of infection was classified into light, moderate, or heavy according to WHO Guidelines. Schistosoma mansoni infection was detected in 156 recruits [13.2%], they were equally allocated to one of three therapy groups either mirazid [600 mg] for 3 consecutive days, mirazid [600 mg] for 6 consecutive days, or single dose of praziquantel 40 mg/kgbw. Cure was monitored 3 and 6 weeks post-treatment by parasitological stool examination using quantitative Kato-Katz [4 slides/stool sample] and formol detergent techniques. Cure rate was [55.6%] for 3-days Mirazid, [45.8%] for 6-days Mirazid, and [94.3%] for praziquantel when assessed 6 weeks post-treatment. Results showed that cure rates decreased with increasing pre-treatment egg count for the 3 studied treatment groups. For the uncured subjects, the percent reduction in geometric mean egg count observed 6 weeks post-treatment was [-6%] for those who received 3-days Mirazid, [39.1%] for those who received 6-days Mirazid, and [97.2%] for those who received praziquantel. Based on the finding of this study, although Mirazid is a well-tolerated herbal drug with minimal side effects, yet if compared with praziquantel as an anti-schistosomal drug, it has a lower cure rate and is given in multiple doses with a compliance problem.