Histopathological Studies Targeting Comparative Efficacy of Herbal and Standard Allopathic Immunomodulators Against Visceral Larva Migrans

Abstract

Various anthelmintics are effective against the adult stages of Toxocara canis, but possess a doubtful efficacy against the tissue encysted larval stages because of their low solubility and approximately no bioavailability for the tissues. Hence, repeated administration of these drugs may lead to development of resistance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of three plant extracts (methanolic extracts of Hippophae rhamnoides, Hippophae salicifolia and Piper longum), in comparison to an allopathic drug (levamisole) on the migratory behavior of Toxocara canis larvae in tissues of Swiss albino mice (paratenic hosts). Fourteen days after medication, the mice were experimentally infected with embryonated eggs of Toxocara canis. Histopathological changes in various organs caused by migration of larvae were scored, based on severity of tissue/cellular damage and were categorized into four levels: normal (0), mild (+), moderate (++) and severe (+++) in various organs of mice belonging to different groups, at days 14 and 28 post infection. The severity of tissue damage was considered inversely proportional to immunomodulatory efficacy. Hence, the findings of this study revealed Hippophae salicifolia to be a superior immunomodulator followed by Hippophae rhamnoides, levamisole and Piper longum in Swiss albino mice model.