Evaluation of the bioassay of Commiphora molmol extract (Mirazid) against praziquantel in experimentally infected mice with Schistosoma mansoni

Schistosoma mansoni worms inhabit the portal triad affecting blood elements. Therefore, the current study aimed to compare ameliorative effects of Commiphora molmol extract (Mirazid, MZD) and praziquantel (PZQ) on some biochemical parameters in S. mansoni-infected mice. Accordingly, Swiss albino mice (n=72) were used and were divided into 4 equal groups; 18 mice each. Group (1) was uninfected non-treated control. Mice in infected groups administered 100 S. mansoni cercariae/mouse. Group (2) contained infected non-treated mice. Group (3) was infected and treated with MZD at a dose of 500 mg/kg for 5 successive days. Group (4) was infected and treated with PZQ in a dose of 500 mg/kg for 2 successive days. Treatment started 7 weeks post infection (WPT) by the oral route. Blood samples were collected at the 1st, 2nd and 4th weeks post treatment for liver functions (ALT, AST and ALP), kidney functions tests (blood urea and serum creatinine) and cholinergic function (serum cholinesterase level). PZQ ameliorated activities of serum enzymes; alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase more than MZD compared to infected untreated group. PZQ significantly decreased ALT at 1, 2 and 4 WPT as well as AST and ALP activity at 2 and 4 WPT whereas, MZD resulted in significant reduction in ALT activity at the 1st, 2nd and 4th WPT. AST and ALP activities appeared at the 2nd and 4th WPT. PZQ caused progressive significant reduction in elevated levels of urea and creatinine at the 1st, 2nd and 4th WPT, respectively that produced by MZD. PZQ and MZD induced a significant elevation in the level of AChE. Such effect was early detected MZD, and it was showed at the 2nd and 4th WPT for PZQ. It was concluded that PZQ and MZD were safe drugs with no adverse biochemical effects on S. mansoni-infected treated mice with potential action done by PZQ rather than MZD.