Efficiency of ginger (Zingbar officinale) against Schistosoma mansoni infection during host-parasite association.

The possible protective effect of ethanolic extract of ginger against infection with Schistosome mansonii was evaluated in mice. The extract was given daily for 45 days beginning at either 2nd day or 45 days post infection. Oral supplementation of ginger extract to infected animals was effective in reducing worm burden and the egg load in the liver and intestine which coincided with the reduction in granuloma diameters.

Therapeutic effects of Allium sativum and Allium cepa in Schistosoma mansoni experimental infection.

The effects of both garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa) on some biochemical parameters in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice individually and mixed either with or without the currently used drug, praziquantel (PZQ) were investigated. These involved some immunological parameters, namely IgM, IgG, interleukins 2 and 6 (IL-2 and 6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), some antioxidant enzymes [catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX)]. In addition, parasitological and histopathological investigations were performed.

Influence of Capparis spinosa and Acacia arabica on certain biochemical haemolymph parameters of Biomphalaria alexandrina.

The work investigated the molluscicidal potency of dried Capparis spinosa and Acacia arabica leaves on selected biochemical parameters of Bionimphalaria alexandrina, in order to render them, physiologically, unsuitable for S. mansoni infection or at least disturb the life-cycle of the parasite within its respective snail host. The effect of the two plants on lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 5'-nucleotidase, acid phosphatase (AP), aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST & ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and glucose content were studied.

Effect of Allium cepa and Allium sativum feeding on glucose, glycogen, protein bands profile and phenol oxidase activity in Biomphalaria alexandrina.

Feeding B. alexandrina on onion and garlic powder (Allium cepa and Allium sativum) separately exert some biological and biochemical changes. The effect of the two plants on glucose and glycogen which are the energy fuel of the snails, and on phenol oxidase (PO) activity after 1, 2, 3 and 7 days were studied.